Question 1

Which concept is best illustrated by Figure 2.1, where the relationship between the number of fire trucks (A) and the amount of fire damage (B) is actually explained by the size of the fire (Z)?

Accepted Answer

The third variable (confounding variable) problem

Question 2

In the context of Figure 2.1, what role does the 'size of fire' (Z) play in the relationship between the number of fire trucks and the amount of fire damage?

Accepted Answer

It is an extraneous variable that confounds the relationship

Question 3

Why is it incorrect to conclude that increasing the number of fire trucks causes more fire damage, based on the scenario in Figure 2.1?

Accepted Answer

Because the relationship is actually due to a third variable, the size of the fire

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the 'third variable problem' as shown in Figure 2.1?

Accepted Answer

A third variable influences both the presumed independent and dependent variables, creating a spurious association

Question 5

If a researcher observes a correlation between two variables, what must they consider before concluding causation, as illustrated by Figure 2.1?

Accepted Answer

Whether a third variable could be responsible for the observed relationship

Question 6

In the fire truck example, what would be the best research design to establish a causal relationship between the number of fire trucks and fire damage?

Accepted Answer

An experimental study with random assignment

Question 7

Which of the following statements is supported by the third variable problem shown in Figure 2.1?

Accepted Answer

A third variable can create a false impression of a direct relationship between two variables

Question 8

Suppose a study finds a correlation between eating ice cream and drowning incidents. Based on the logic of Figure 2.1, what is a likely third variable?

Accepted Answer

The season or temperature (e.g., summer)

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for establishing a cause-and-effect relationship, as discussed in the context of Figure 2.1?

Accepted Answer

The variables are both categorical

Question 10

What is the main lesson for researchers from the third variable problem illustrated in Figure 2.1?

Accepted Answer

Be cautious in interpreting correlations as evidence of causation

Research Approaches and Methods of Data Collection in Psychology

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