Extraneous variables are problematic for claiming causality in research. Whereas researchers want to
assume that the independent variable is truly causing the changes onto dependent variable, and that
the effects are not due to other variables.
A solid research methodology will account for all observed
relationships among variables. According to the text, when can extraneous variables occur?
a) Prior to the intervention (independent variable)
b) Prior and after the intervention (independent variable)
c) Prior and during the intervention (independent variable)
d) Prior, during, and after the intervention (independent variable)
A team of social workers want to conduct research on discrimination in the workplace. They
speculate that certain ethnic groups may be treated unfairly in terms of hiring practices and
promotions.
However, after reviewing preliminary documentation their emphasis shifts from ethnic
groups to gender. Now the focus of the research is to determine if there is a relationship between
gender and hiring practices. This focus of the research can be defined as:
a) Hypothesis
b) Theory
c) Evidence-based
d) Ethics
Henry is a social scientific researcher who has invested several years into studying the impact of
cognitive-behavioral (CB) interventions.
In terms of his biases, he favors CB and therefore is
disappointed when research results do not support treatment effectiveness. Unfortunately, Henry
decides to fabricate the data so outcomes will favor CB. What ethical breach did Henry enact?
a) Psychological harm
b) Misrepresentation of findings
c) Monitoring study effects
d) Balancing risks and gains
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