What are the independent and dependent variables in a research study?
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An independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test the effects on the dependent variable. Show
A dependent variable is the variable being tested and measured in a scientific experiment. The dependent variable is 'dependent' on the independent variable. As the experimenter changes the independent variable, the effect on the dependent variable is observed and recorded. Independent vs Dependent Variable
Independent and Dependent Variable ExamplesFor example, a scientist wants to see if the brightness of light has any effect on a moth being attracted to the light. The brightness of the light is controlled by the scientist. This would be the independent variable. How the moth reacts to the different light levels (distance to light source) would be the dependent variable. As another example, say you want to know whether or not eating breakfast affects student test scores. The factor under the experimenter's control is the presence or absence of breakfast, so you know it is the independent variable. The experiment measures test scores of students who ate breakfast versus those who did not. Theoretically, the test results depend on breakfast, so the test results are the dependent variable. Note that test scores are the dependent variable, even if it turns out there is no relationship between scores and breakfast. For another experiment, a scientist wants to determine whether one drug is more effective than another at controlling high blood pressure. The independent variable is the drug, while patient blood pressure is the dependent variable. In some ways, this experiment resembles the one with breakfast and test scores. However, when comparing two different treatments, such as drug A and drug B, it's usual to add another variable, called the control variable. The control variable, which in this case is a placebo that contains the same inactive ingredients as the drugs, makes it possible to tell whether either drug actually affects blood pressure. How to Tell the Variables ApartThe independent and dependent variables may be viewed in terms of cause and effect. If the independent variable is changed, then an effect is seen in the dependent variable. Remember, the values of both variables may change in an experiment and are recorded. The difference is that the value of the independent variable is controlled by the experimenter, while the value of the dependent variable only changes in response to the independent variable. Remembering Variables With DRYMIXWhen results are plotted in graphs, the convention is to use the independent variable as the x-axis and the dependent variable as the y-axis. The DRY MIX acronym can help keep the variables straight: D is the dependent variable M is the manipulated variable or the one that is changed in an experiment Independent vs Dependent Variable Key Takeaways
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Cite this Article Format mla apa chicagoYour Citation Helmenstine, Todd. "Difference Between Independent and Dependent Variables." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/independent-and-dependent-variables-differences-606115 (accessed December 3, 2022). What is independent and dependent variable in research example?Let's take the example of “Test Scores”. You want to see the effect of studying or sleeping on a test score. In the example, “test score” is the dependent variable. “Studying” or “sleeping” is the independent variable because these factors impact how much a student scores on the test.
What are dependent variables in a research study?Definitions. Dependent Variable. The variable that depends on other factors that are measured. These variables are expected to change as a result of an experimental manipulation of the independent variable or variables. It is the presumed effect.
What is an example of a dependent variable in a study?The dependent variable is the variable that is being measured or tested in an experiment. 1 For example, in a study looking at how tutoring impacts test scores, the dependent variable would be the participants' test scores since that is what is being measured.
What is the independent variable in a research experiment?The independent variable (IV) in psychology is the characteristic of an experiment that is manipulated or changed by researchers, not by other variables in the experiment. For example, in an experiment looking at the effects of studying on test scores, studying would be the independent variable.
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