What Was the Dependent Variable in This Experiment?
In an experiment, the dependent variable is the variable that is being measured or tested. It is the outcome that the researcher is interested in and wants to see how it is affected by the independent variable.
To identify the dependent variable, ask yourself the following question: What is the outcome that the researcher is trying to measure?
For example, in an experiment to test the effectiveness of a new drug, the dependent variable might be the participant’s blood pressure. The researcher is trying to see if the drug lowers the participant’s blood pressure.
Here are some other examples of dependent variables:
- In a study of the effects of exercise on weight loss, the dependent variable would be the participant’s weight.
- In a study of the effects of sleep deprivation on memory, the dependent variable would be the participant’s memory performance.
- In a study of the effects of different teaching methods on student achievement, the dependent variable would be the student’s achievement scores.
Questions about the Dependent Variable
Here are some questions that you can ask to help you understand the dependent variable in an experiment:
- What is the unit of measurement for the dependent variable?
- How is the dependent variable being measured?
- Is the dependent variable continuous or discrete?
- Is the dependent variable normally distributed?
By answering these questions, you can gain a better understanding of the dependent variable and how it is being used in the experiment.
Here are some additional discussions about the dependent variable:
- The dependent variable is sometimes referred to as the outcome variable or the response variable.
- The dependent variable is usually measured after the experiment has been conducted.
- The dependent variable is often affected by other variables, such as the independent variable, the control variables, and the confounding variables.
Conclusion
The dependent variable is an important part of any experiment. It is the outcome that the researcher is trying to measure and understand. By understanding the dependent variable, you can better understand the purpose of the experiment and the results that the researcher is trying to achieve.
