Exercise 6.1: Independent and Dependent Variables

For each of the following hypotheses, list the unit of analysis, independent and dependent variables, and the direction of the stated relationship.

1. The more educated a nation, the larger the voter turnout in national elections.
a. unit of analysis: b. independent variable: c. dependent variable: d. direction of relationship:

2. The greater the percentage of farmers in an American state, the lower the percentage of the vote received by the Democratic candidate for governor.
a. unit of analysis: b. independent variable: c. dependent variable: d. direction of relationship:

3. The greater the proportion of a state's tax revenue generated by tourism, the more that state will spend on the environment.
a. unit of analysis: b. independent variable: c. dependent variable: d. direction of relationship:

4. The less experienced and younger a U.S. Senator, the more time he or she will spend in his or her home state.
a. unit of analysis: b. independent variable: c. dependent variable: d. direction of relationship:

5. The more foreign aid a country receives from the United States, the more likely that country is to vote consistently with the position of the U.S. at the United Nations.
a. unit of analysis: b. independent variable: c. dependent variable: d. direction of relationship: