A university conducts a study of tobacco use among 1000 of its students. Researchers survey male volunteers and female volunteers to find the frequency of tobacco use. The study finds that, of the people surveyed, 250 men and 50 women regularly use tobacco. The university concludes that male students use tobacco more frequently than female students.
Which of the following situations would create a lurking variable that could impact the study?
There may be more than one correct answer. Select all that apply.
If the university surveyed only men who used tobacco at least once in high school, participant history would be a lurking variable.
If the university surveyed more men than women, the number of male and female participants would be a lurking variable.
If the university conducted surveys between only 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., the time of day would be a lurking variable.
If the university surveyed only students aged 18 to 22, the age of participants would be a lurking variable.
If the university extended the study to include 2000 participants, the number of participants would be a lurking variable.
2 answers