what are independent and dependent variables?

"Independent variables are those that are manipulated whereas dependent variables are only measured or registered. This distinction appears terminologically confusing to many because, as some students say, "all variables depend on something." However, once you get used to this distinction, it becomes indispensable. The terms dependent and independent variable apply mostly to experimental research where some variables are manipulated, and in this sense they are "independent" from the initial reaction patterns, features, intentions, etc. of the subjects. Some other variables are expected to be "dependent" on the manipulation or experimental conditions. That is to say, they depend on "what the subject will do" in response. Somewhat contrary to the nature of this distinction, these terms are also used in studies where we do not literally manipulate independent variables, but only assign subjects to "experimental groups" based on some pre-existing properties of the subjects. For example, if in an experiment, males are compared with females regarding their white cell count (WCC), Gender could be called the independent variable and WCC the dependent variable."

-- From Google query "independent dependent variables difference", result 3: "Elementary Concepts in Statistics".

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Independent and dependent variables are key components of an experiment or research study. They are used to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between two or more variables.

1. Independent Variable: This is the variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher. It is the presumed cause or predictor variable. The researcher has control over the independent variable and deliberately alters it to observe its effect on the dependent variable. In an experiment, it is typically represented on the x-axis of a graph.

For example, in a study investigating the impact of studying time on test scores, the independent variable would be the amount of time spent studying. The researcher can manipulate this variable by assigning different study durations to different groups of participants.

2. Dependent Variable: This is the variable that is observed and measured to determine the effect of the independent variable. It is the outcome or response variable. The dependent variable is influenced by changes in the independent variable and is typically represented on the y-axis of a graph.

In the case of the study mentioned earlier, the dependent variable would be the test scores of the participants. The researcher measures the test scores to evaluate the effect of different study durations on the participants' performance.

In summary, the independent variable is the cause or predictor variable that is manipulated, while the dependent variable is the outcome or response variable that is observed and measured in response to changes in the independent variable.

Independent and dependent variables are terms used in scientific research to describe the relationship between two or more variables.

The independent variable is the variable that is purposely manipulated or changed by the researcher. It is the variable believed to have an effect on the dependent variable. The independent variable is chosen and controlled by the researcher and does not depend on any other factors.

The dependent variable, on the other hand, is the variable that is observed and measured to determine the effects of the independent variable. It is the variable that the researcher expects to be influenced or affected by the independent variable.

To identify the independent and dependent variables in a study, you need to understand the research question or hypothesis being investigated. The independent variable is typically the one that researchers are testing to see if it has an effect on the dependent variable. It can be changed or manipulated by the researchers.

For example, let's say a researcher wants to investigate the effect of different study durations on students' test scores. In this case, the independent variable would be the study duration, as the researcher can control and manipulate this variable by assigning different time intervals for students to study. The dependent variable, in this case, would be the test scores of the students because it is the variable that is expected to be influenced by the study duration.

To determine the independent and dependent variables in any study, you can ask yourself the following questions:

1. What is the variable that is purposely manipulated or changed by the researcher? That would be the independent variable.
2. What is the variable that is observed and measured to determine the effects of the independent variable? That would be the dependent variable.

By understanding the research question and the relationship between the variables, you can identify and differentiate between the independent and dependent variables.