Assertion (A): Normally the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable is considered linear.
Reason (R): The dependent variable impacts the independent variable to produce infinite results.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation.
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
The correct answer is (B): Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation.
Assertion (A): The relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable is often considered linear in studies. This assumption simplifies analysis, as a linear relationship implies that changes in the independent variable produce proportional changes in the dependent variable.
Reason (R): The statement that the dependent variable impacts the independent variable to produce infinite results is true in some cases. However, it does not explain the assertion regarding the linear nature of the relationship. Linear relationships focus on the predictability and proportionality of changes between variables, not on the infinite outcomes.
For example, in a study examining the effect of hours studied (independent variable) on test scores (dependent variable), researchers often assume a linear relationship. This means increasing study time by one hour should result in a proportional increase in test scores. However, the dependent variable (test scores) does not reverse-impact the independent variable (study hours).
Thus, while both statements are valid individually, the reason does not directly justify the assertion.