Which of the following is a characteristic of an interaction in social psychology?

• A. Each variable influences the outcome independently
• B. The effect of one variable depends on the level of another variable
• C. All variables produce the same effect regardless of context
• D. Variables have no impact on each other

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of an interaction in social psychology, which refers to a situation where the effect of one variable on an outcome depends on the level or presence of another variable.
2. Recognize that when variables influence the outcome independently, this means there is no interaction; each variable's effect is separate and additive.
3. Identify that if all variables produce the same effect regardless of context, this implies no interaction because the effect does not change based on other variables.
4. Note that if variables have no impact on each other, it means there is no interaction or combined effect influencing the outcome.
5. Conclude that the defining characteristic of an interaction is that the effect of one variable depends on the level of another variable, meaning the variables influence each other in determining the outcome.