Question

A physical therapist designs a research study which examines the effect of knee bracing on balance and gait. In this study, balance and gait are ........ variables.

• A. Dependent
• B. Independent
• C. Criterion
• D. Extraneous
• E.

Hint:

In research, dependent variables are the outcomes being measured, while independent variables are the factors being manipulated.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding variables in research.
In research, dependent variables are the outcomes being measured, while independent variables are the factors that are manipulated or studied for their effect on the dependent variables.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (1) Dependent: Correct. Balance and gait are the outcomes being measured in this study, making them dependent variables that depend on the effect of knee bracing.
- (2) Independent: Incorrect. The independent variable is knee bracing, as it is the factor being manipulated or studied for its effect on balance and gait.
- (3) Criterion: Incorrect. Criterion variables are often used for measurement scales or benchmarks, but they are not relevant to the context here.
- (4) Extraneous: Incorrect. Extraneous variables are uncontrolled factors that can affect the dependent variable, but they are not the main focus of the study.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (1), as balance and gait are the dependent variables in the study examining the effect of knee bracing.