A Researcher Sets Up an Experiment to Test a New

Multiple Choice

A researcher sets up an experiment to test a new antidepressant medication. One group receives the treatment, and the other receives a placebo. The researcher then measures depression using a standardized self-report measure. What is the independent variable in this case?

A) Whether the individuals scored high or low on the depression measure
B) Whether the individuals received the treatment or a placebo
C) Whether the individuals were experiencing depression before the study began
D) Whether the individuals, depression decreased or increased during the study period