Given below are two statements: one is labelled Assertion A and the other is…
2023
Given below are two statements: one is labelled Assertion A and the other is labelled Reason R.
Assertion A: Experimental research allows a researcher to eliminate the influence of many extraneous factors.
Reason R: In experimental research, variables are actively manipulated and the environment is controlled as far as possible.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.
Answer: A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A — ConceptExperimental research tests causal effects by deliberately manipulating an independent variable while controlling other conditions. Control and…
- A.
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.
Both A and R are true and R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.
A is true but R is false
- D.
A is false but R is true
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
Experimental research tests causal effects by deliberately manipulating an independent variable while controlling other conditions.
Control and standardisation reduce the influence of extraneous variables, strengthen internal validity, and help isolate the effect of the manipulated variable.
Application
Assertion A is true: controlling non-target influences allows an experimenter to reduce the effect of many extraneous factors on the observed outcome.
Reason R is also true: the independent variable is actively manipulated, while environmental conditions and other variables are controlled as far as practicable. These actions are the mechanism by which extraneous influences are reduced, so R explains A.
Contrast
Treating both statements as true but denying the explanation misses the direct role of manipulation and control in limiting extraneous influences.
Accepting A while rejecting R conflicts with the defining features of an experimental design.
Rejecting A while accepting R overlooks why environmental control is used in experiments.
Cross-check
If environmental conditions were not controlled, changes in the outcome could be attributed to competing factors rather than to the manipulated variable. Control therefore supports the relationship stated in A.
Result
Therefore, both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.