Define reacting variable.

A reacting variable is a term commonly used in experimental research and refers to a variable that is directly affected by and responds to the manipulation of an independent variable or treatment in an experiment. In other words, the reacting variable is the one being measured or observed to determine the effects of the independent variable.

To understand how to identify the reacting variable in an experiment, you need to first identify the independent variable, which is the variable being intentionally manipulated by the researcher. The reacting variable is then the outcome or response that you are interested in measuring or observing.

Here's a step-by-step approach to identifying the reacting variable:

1. Identify the research question or hypothesis: What specific relationship or effect are you trying to investigate?

2. Identify the independent variable: What variable is the researcher intentionally manipulating? For example, if the study is investigating the effect of different study techniques on exam scores, the independent variable could be the study technique (e.g., flashcards, summarizing, etc.).

3. Determine how the independent variable will be measured or observed: What is the outcome or response that you are interested in measuring or observing? In our example, the reacting variable would be the exam scores.

4. Establish a cause-and-effect relationship: By manipulating the independent variable (study technique), you would expect to see a corresponding effect on the reacting variable (exam scores).

In summary, the reacting variable in an experiment is the variable being measured or observed to determine the effects of the independent variable. It is crucial to identify and define the reacting variable clearly to draw meaningful conclusions from experimental research.