A Researcher Finds a Strong Correlation Between Shoe Size and Reading

question 53

Multiple Choice

A researcher finds a strong correlation between shoe size and reading ability in primary school children - the larger the shoe size the better a child is at reading.However, this does not mean having a large shoe size causes a child to read well.Instead, an intervening variable - age - causes both shoe size and reading ability to increase.This accidental relationship between shoe size and reading ability is known as

• A)a dependent variable.
• B)a spurious correlation.
• C)the 'no child left behind' phenomenon.
• D)the standard deviation.

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Definitions:

Neutral Stimulus

An initially neutral stimulus that does not provoke an inherent response until it becomes linked with a naturally occurring stimulus.

Conditioned Response

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has been repeatedly presented along with an unconditioned stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is a learning process whereby behavior is strengthened or weakened by reinforcement or punishment.

Classical Conditioning

A training approach characterized by making associations between a stimulus in the environment and one that occurs naturally, causing a conditioned behavior.