A research team is investigating the effects of social media on self-esteem. They hypothesized that people who spend 3 or more hours per day using social media platforms will have lower self-esteem than people who spend less than 3 hours. In this research study, what is the dependent variable?

• A. Hours spent on social media.
• B. Self-esteem.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the hypothesis: The research team hypothesizes that the amount of time spent on social media affects self-esteem.
2. Understand the variables: In any research study, there are independent and dependent variables. The independent variable is what the researcher manipulates or categorizes, and the dependent variable is what is measured or affected.
3. Determine the independent variable: In this study, the independent variable is the 'hours spent on social media' because it is the factor that is being used to categorize participants.
4. Determine the dependent variable: The dependent variable is the outcome that the researchers are measuring, which in this case is 'self-esteem'.
5. Conclude the relationship: The study aims to see if changes in the independent variable (hours spent on social media) lead to changes in the dependent variable (self-esteem).