Which term describes the variable that is the outcome and may change as a result of the manipulation?

Which term describes the variable that is the outcome and may change as a result of the manipulation?

• A. Dependent variable
• B. Independent variable
• C. Confounding variable
• D. Moderator

Answer: (A)

In experiments, the variable that you measure to see the effect of your manipulation is the dependent variable. It’s the outcome that may change as you vary the independent variable, because its value depends on what you do in the study. The independent variable is what you actively change or control. A confounding variable is an extra factor that could influence the outcome and create an alternative explanation for any observed effect. A moderator is a variable that changes how strong or in what direction the manipulation affects the outcome, altering the relationship rather than defining the outcome itself. Since the question describes the outcome that changes as a result of the manipulation, the correct term is the dependent variable.

In experiments, the variable that you measure to see the effect of your manipulation is the dependent variable. It’s the outcome that may change as you vary the independent variable, because its value depends on what you do in the study. The independent variable is what you actively change or control. A confounding variable is an extra factor that could influence the outcome and create an alternative explanation for any observed effect. A moderator is a variable that changes how strong or in what direction the manipulation affects the outcome, altering the relationship rather than defining the outcome itself. Since the question describes the outcome that changes as a result of the manipulation, the correct term is the dependent variable.