Question

a researcher conducts an experiment on motivation. the experimental group is administered the independent variable, but the control group is not administered the independent variable. the researcher asks an assistant to act as a research subject who has little motivation, despite the encouragement provided to them during the experiment. the researcher wants to see how the assistants behavior affects the motivation of the actual research subjects in the experimental group. in this experiment, the assistant is serving as

the dependent variable.

the independent variable.

an observer.

a confederate.

question 11
2.5 pts
a client experiencing anxiety was prescribed valium, which is most likely to reduce anxiety by

increasing the inhibiting effects of gamma aminobutyric acid.

interfering with the activity of endorphins.

compensating for the loss of the brains supply of acetylcholine.

releasing stress hormones in his bloodstream.

Explanation:

First Question (Motivation Experiment)

• A dependent variable is what is measured in an experiment, not a person, so the first option is wrong.
• An independent variable is the factor manipulated, not a person acting in the experiment, so the second option is wrong.
• An observer just watches, but the assistant is acting as a subject to influence others, so the third option is wrong.
• A confederate is a person who is part of the experiment, acting as a subject (but in on the experiment) to influence other subjects, which matches the assistant's role here.

• Valium (a benzodiazepine) works by enhancing the effects of GABA (gamma - aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This increased inhibition reduces anxiety.
• Endorphins are related to pain relief and positive feelings, not Valium's mechanism for anxiety, so the second option is wrong.
• Acetylcholine is involved in other functions like muscle movement and memory, not anxiety reduction by Valium, so the third option is wrong.
• Releasing stress hormones would increase anxiety, not reduce it, so the fourth option is wrong.

Answer:

D. a confederate.

Second Question (Valium and Anxiety)