Question

Whenever you have a cold, you rest in bed, take aspirin, and drink plenty of fluids. You can't determine which remedy is most effective because of which of the following problems? A. sampling bias B. distorted self-report data C. confounding of variables D. experimenter bias

Short answer

Answer: C. Confounding of variables

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Options

Let's first understand what each of the given options means: A. Sampling bias: It occurs when a sample is not representative of the population from which it was drawn. This can lead to misleading conclusions about the population as a whole. B. Distorted self-report data: It refers to incorrect or biased data provided by the individuals themselves. This can occur when people are not completely honest, forgetful, or influenced by external factors. C. Confounding of variables: This occurs when two or more variables are related in such a way that their effects on the outcome cannot be distinguished from each other. This can lead to misinterpretation of the relationship between variables. D. Experimenter bias: It refers to the influence of the researcher's expectations or beliefs on the interpretation of the data or the conduct of the study.

Apply Understanding to the Problem

Now, let's consider the given situation and apply our understanding: When you have a cold, you rest in bed, take aspirin, and drink plenty of fluids. Since you are taking all these remedies simultaneously, it is difficult to determine which remedy is most effective. This is a classic example of confounding variables, where the effects of all three remedies are intertwined and cannot be distinguished from each other. Thus, the correct answer is: C. Confounding of variables