Question

1. dr. bannion conducted a study on how depressants produce their effects in the body. which of the following is the operational definition that dr. bannion most likely used?

a. participants’ positive mood ratings on a scale from 1 to 10
b. the number of hours participants sleep
c. the level of endorphins in the brain
d. the amount of time spent trying to obtain depressant drugs

Explanation:

An operational definition specifies measurable indicators of a variable. Depressants slow bodily functions, and increased sleep duration is a direct, measurable effect of their action. Positive mood ratings (a) relate more to stimulants/antidepressants; endorphin levels (c) link to pain relief/reward, not depressant effects; time seeking drugs (d) measures dependence, not the drug's bodily effects.

Answer:

b. The number of hours participants sleep