College

The data in the table are based on the results of a survey comparing the commute time of adults to their score on a well-being test. Complete parts (a) through (d) below.

\[
\begin{array}{cc}
\text{Commute Time (in minutes)} & \text{Well-Being Score} \\
\hline
6 & 69.2 \\
14 & 68.1 \\
23 & 67.8 \\
35 & 67.2 \\
53 & 66.9 \\
65 & 65.9 \\
96 & 63.5 \\
\end{array}
\]

(a) Which variable is likely the explanatory variable and which is the response variable?

A. The explanatory variable is commute time and the response variable is the well-being score because commute time affects the well-being score.

B. The explanatory variable is the well-being score and the response variable is commute time because commute time affects the well-being score.

C. The explanatory variable is commute time and the response variable is the well-being score because well-being score affects the commute time score.

D. The explanatory variable is the well-being score and the response variable is commute time because well-being score affects the commute time.

Answer :

To solve this question, we need to determine which variable is the explanatory variable and which is the response variable based on the context given.

Step 1: Understand the Variables

- Commute Time (in minutes): This is the amount of time an individual spends traveling from home to work or another regular destination.
- Well-Being Score: This score represents a measure of an individual's perceived well-being or life satisfaction.

Step 2: Define the Explanatory and Response Variables

- Explanatory Variable: This is a variable that is thought to influence or explain changes in another variable. It is also known as the independent variable.
- Response Variable: This is the variable that is affected or influenced by the explanatory variable. It is also known as the dependent variable.

Step 3: Determine the Relationship

Based on the context of the survey, we assess the relationship between the variables. It is reasonable to think that commute time (how long someone takes to get to their destination) could have an impact on their well-being. For instance, longer commute times might lead to more stress or reduced life satisfaction, thus affecting the well-being score.

Step 4: Choose the Correct Option

Considering that commute time is likely to affect how people feel about their well-being, we identify:

- Explanatory Variable: Commute Time, since it is expected to influence the well-being score.
- Response Variable: Well-Being Score, because it potentially changes in response to commute time.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

A. The explanatory variable is commute time and the response variable is the well-being score because commute time affects the well-being score.

By reasoning through the relationship and context provided, we concluded that the commute time is likely to affect the well-being score.