A researcher would like to evaluate the claim that large doses of vitamin C can help prevent the common cold. One group of participants is given a large dose of the vitamin (500 mg per day), and a second group is given a placebo (sugar pill). The researcher records the number of colds each individual experiences during the 3-month winter season.
a. Identify the dependent variable for this study.
b. Is the dependent variable discrete or continuous? interval, or ratio) is used to measure the dependent variable?