What is a dependent variable?

A dependent variable is the variable that researchers measure or observe in an experiment to determine how it is affected by other variables. Specifically, it is the outcome that is expected to change when the independent variable is manipulated. In a study, you can think of the dependent variable as the response being analyzed, such as growth rates, temperature changes, or test scores, depending on the context of the experiment. This variable provides insights into the effects of the independent variable, which is the one being altered to observe a potential impact.

The essence of understanding the dependent variable lies in recognizing it as the outcome that is evaluated against the changes made to identify cause-and-effect relationships. Therefore, in experimental research, identifying what is dependent on other variables is crucial for drawing conclusions and understanding the dynamics being studied.