In a study, the variable deliberately changed by the researcher is called

In a study, the variable deliberately changed by the researcher is called

• A. The independent variable
• B. The dependent variable
• C. The control variable
• D. The constant variable

Answer: (A)

The variable that the researcher changes on purpose is the independent variable. It’s the factor you deliberately manipulate to see if it causes a change in the outcome. By setting different values for this variable, you can observe how the dependent variable—the outcome you measure—responds. For example, if you’re studying how study time affects test scores, study time is the independent variable and test scores are the dependent variable. Other factors are kept constant as control variables to isolate the effect of the manipulation. The term constant variable isn’t standard here; what matters is that those factors are held the same to avoid confounding the results.

The variable that the researcher changes on purpose is the independent variable. It’s the factor you deliberately manipulate to see if it causes a change in the outcome. By setting different values for this variable, you can observe how the dependent variable—the outcome you measure—responds. For example, if you’re studying how study time affects test scores, study time is the independent variable and test scores are the dependent variable. Other factors are kept constant as control variables to isolate the effect of the manipulation. The term constant variable isn’t standard here; what matters is that those factors are held the same to avoid confounding the results.