Think about the research question: "An abusing partner will be less likely to recidivate if subjected to both formal and informal sanctions than if only experiencing one form of sanction." What is the independent variable in this research question

Full Question:

Think about the research question: "An abusing partner will be less likely to recidivate if subjected to both formal and informal sanctions than if only experiencing one form of sanction." What is the independent variable in this research question?

a. Whether the abusing partner "recidivates" (i. e. acts violent again) or does not recidivate

b. Whether the victim retaliates against the abuser

c. Whether the abuser experiences two sanctions (formal and informal) or only one sanction (either formal OR informal)

d. This question does not provide enough information to figure out the independent variable

Answer:

c. Whether the abuser experiences two sanctions (formal and informal) or only one sanction (either formal OR informal)

Explanation:

The independent and dependent variable denotes the x-y relationship in a graph. The independent variable is manipulated and controlled by the researcher to measure the dependent variable. In other words the independent variable (usually x) is altered as it has effect on the dependent variable (usually y). In the above case the researcher would manipulate the sanctions (both or just one) to determine how that would affect the abusing partner's rectification.