What are the independent and dependent variables of "Regulatory Mechanisms Governing Gender Development"?

Question

It's a psych. article by A. Bandura and K. Bussey, Child Development Journal, 1992. Yes, this is for a Psych. Development course which, come to find out, is WAY over my head. If I had to pick, I'd say the kids tested were the dependent variable, and the toys that were given to the kids (feminine, neutral, and masculine) were the independent variables. I'm very confused. I also don't understand the charts at all! I just want help, please!!

Answer 1

Sorry to hear that you feel you're in way over your head ... be patient and be confident that you will get it ... because you will.

The independent variable is that which gets manipulated to cause an effect (or effects) on the dependent variable (another way of putting it is that the dependent variable "depends" on what the independent variable does to cause some effect or change).

As such, you have it right!  Stay with the course ... you will be fine!