Directions: In this chapter, there are a lot of important (and somewhat difficult) concepts that are part of research methods but are essential to know. Below are two questions (each with multiple parts). Answer BOTH.
1. Understanding the logic behind cause-effect relationships is important for all students in social research methods to understand. This starts with being able to correctly and consistently identify independent and dependent variables and is deepened when students understand that all outcomes have multiple causes.
a. Provide a complete and accurate definition for the terms: independent variable and dependent variable.
b. State and identify the independent and dependent variables in the examples below:
· Higher levels of stress lead to an increase in weight.
· Higher scores on exams can be explained by the number of absences in a class.
· People with high blood pressure have a higher mortality rate from COVID-19.
c. For each relationship in part b, come up with an extraneous, antecedent, or intervening variable that might help explain the relationship better than the original independent variable. Make sure you clearly state which type of variable you are proposing and explain why it is that type of variable (extraneous, antecedent, or intervening).
2. Refer the sections on units of analysis to answer the next set of questions:
a. Provide an accurate definition of the concept unit of analysis.
b. For each study listed below, identify the unit of analysis.
· Rates of positive COVID19 tests for each county within West Virginia.
· Economic inequality between nations around the world.
· Attitudes of white people towards Black Lives Matter.
· Support for the legalization of marijuana among age groups from 18-76 broken into 5-year intervals.