Question

Answer these questions about the study described here: A group of second graders are being studied to find out the effects of various exercises on their health. Subjects in the study are divided into control and experimental groups. One group is instructed to partake in frequent and intense exercise activities for two weeks. The second group is instructed to maintain their normal routine. Health screenings are performed on the subjects after the two-week period to identify differences. 1. Is this an observational or experimental study? 2. Define the control group. 3. Define the experimental group. 4. What is (are) the independent variable(s)? 5. Suggest a way of measuring the independent variable(s). 6. What is (are) the dependent variable(s)? 7. Suggest a way of measuring the dependent variable(s). 8. List three confounding variables. 9. How could the study on the second graders be designed in order to control for the confounding variables you listed?

Answer 1

(1)
This is an experimental study

(2)

Control group: The group which is instructed to maintain their normal routine

(3)

Experimental group: The group which is instructed to partake in frequent and intense exercise activities for two weeks

(4)

Independent Variable: Various exercises

(5)

Way of measuring the independent variable : Both the frequency and intensity of the exercise activities are to be measured in scale of 0 to 10.

(6)

Dependent Variable: Health

(7)

Way of measuring the dependent variable: Level of health conditions can be measured by health screenings to identify differences

(8)

Confounding variables:

(i) Inherent health condition of an individual irrespective of exercise

(ii) Other than exercise other factors such as smoking, diet, family conditions affect health

(iii) The measurement of both exercise and health is likely to vary from individual to individual which will affect the results of the study

(9)

The study on the second graders can be designed in order to control for the confounding variables as follows::

(i) In selecting volunteers for the experimentation, select all volunteers with almost same inherent health conditions.

(ii) Factors such as smoking, diet, family conditions should be the same for all volunteers.

(iii) Measurement of both exercise and health should be done very scrupulously to avoid variations.