Dr. Dre goes to a popular nightclub and observes the interactions that take place at the bar. He counts the frequency with which couples make physical contact within a 60 second period. He does this throughout the evening while pretending to be a customer at the bar. Dr. Dre is measuring a(n) __ social variable.
A subjective
B standardized
C objective
D operant
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C) objective.
In this scenario, Dr. Dre is measuring the frequency of couples making physical contact during a specific time frame (60 seconds). This type of measurement is considered objective because it is based on observable and quantifiable behavior that can be counted or recorded without the influence of personal interpretation or bias. Objective social variables are those that can be measured directly and are not influenced by subjective feelings, beliefs, or experiences.
Objective measurements in social research typically involve behaviors, events, or conditions that can be directly observed by anyone conducting the study. For example, counting how many times couples touch each other in a given time period is a concrete and repeatable measurement. There is no room for subjective interpretation since the occurrence of physical contact is clear and measurable.
This is in contrast to subjective variables, which are based on personal perceptions or opinions, like how an individual feels about the interaction. A standardized variable refers to a condition or measure that is consistent across different studies, making comparisons easier. An operant variable, in the context of behavior analysis, refers to behaviors that are modified or shaped by their consequences, typically in the framework of operant conditioning. In this case, since Dr. Dre is merely counting an observable behavior without concern for its consequences or underlying motives, the measurement is objective.
To summarize, Dr. Dre is measuring an objective social variable because he is counting a specific, observable action (physical contact) that does not require personal interpretation.