School of Business, Liberty University
Faizan Malik
Week 1 Discussion Assignment
Author Note:
Faizan Malik
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Faizan Malik: Fmalik@Liberty.edu
D1.1.Compare the terms active independent variable and attribute independent variable. What are the similarities and differences?
D1.1aAccording to Morgan et al. (2020), an active independent variable is one that can be controlled by researchers throughout the duration of a study, typically through intentional introduction of various events such as specific treatment or intervention, by an
entity outside of the researchers (Morgan et al., 2020). Active independent variables, however, are presented after a study has been planned, allowing for establishing of baselines, and cannot be manipulated such as demographics (Morgan et al., 2020). While both can be useful during the course of a study by allowing for assessments of impacts on
dependent variables, the type of research application for each may differ with active independent variables typically being used in randomized experimental studies, while attribute independent variables are often included in nonexperimental studies.
D1.2.What kind of independent variable (active or attribute) is necessary to infer cause? Can one
always infer cause from this type of independent variable? If so, why? If not, when can one infer cause and when might causal inferences be more questionable?
D1.2a An active independent variable is needed to infer cause within a study, according to Morgan et al. (2020), as these variables are directly manipulated within a study and allow researchers to observe impacts to dependent variables, essentially establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. However, multiple factors can influence the strength of inference, such as the design of the study and consistency of results. Studies that lack randomization or fail to yield consistent results produce inferences that can be deemed questionable.
D1.3.What is the difference between the independent variable and the dependent variable?
D1.3a According to Morgan et al. (2020), independent or predictor variables can be manipulated by researchers within a study and should ideally have an effect on the
