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Dependent variable
In this guide
3 key takeaways
Copy link to section- The dependent variable is the outcome that researchers observe and measure in an experiment.
- It is called “dependent” because its value depends on changes in the independent variable.
- Understanding the dependent variable helps in analyzing the effects of the independent variable and drawing conclusions from the data.
What is a dependent variable?
Copy link to sectionIn scientific research and experimentation, a dependent variable is the variable that is observed and measured to assess the effect of changes or manipulations in the independent variable. It is the outcome that researchers are interested in explaining or predicting. The dependent variable is called “dependent” because its value is assumed to depend on the variations of the independent variable.
For example, in an experiment to determine the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, the dependent variable would be the growth of the plants, which is measured in response to the different amounts or types of fertilizer applied (the independent variable).
Identifying the dependent variable
Copy link to section- Research Question: The dependent variable is typically derived from the research question. For instance, “How does the amount of sunlight affect plant growth?” Here, plant growth is the dependent variable.
- Measurement: The dependent variable must be measurable and quantifiable. It can be expressed in various forms such as numbers, scores, or categories.
- Experiment Design: In designing an experiment, the dependent variable is what you measure in the experiment and what is affected during the experiment.
Examples of dependent variables
Copy link to section- Scientific Research: In a study examining the effect of temperature on the solubility of a substance, the solubility is the dependent variable.
- Psychology: In an experiment investigating the impact of sleep on cognitive performance, cognitive performance (measured through tests or assessments) is the dependent variable.
- Economics: When studying the effect of interest rates on consumer spending, consumer spending is the dependent variable.
- Medicine: In clinical trials testing the effectiveness of a new drug, patient health outcomes (e.g., reduction in symptoms) are the dependent variables.
Importance of the dependent variable
Copy link to section- Hypothesis Testing: The dependent variable is crucial for testing hypotheses. Researchers manipulate the independent variable and observe the changes in the dependent variable to test their predictions.
- Data Analysis: Analyzing the dependent variable helps researchers understand the relationship between variables and draw conclusions from their studies.
- Experimental Control: Properly identifying and measuring the dependent variable ensures the accuracy and reliability of the experimental results.
Related topics
Copy link to sectionFor further reading, consider exploring the following topics:
- Independent Variable: The variable that is manipulated or changed to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
- Control Variable: Variables that are kept constant to ensure that the effect on the dependent variable is due to the independent variable alone.
- Experimental Design: The overall strategy and methodology used to conduct an experiment, including the identification and measurement of variables.
- Correlation and Causation: Understanding the difference between correlation (when two variables are related) and causation (when one variable directly affects another).
Understanding the dependent variable is fundamental in scientific research as it allows researchers to observe the effects of changes, analyze data, and validate their hypotheses.
More definitions
Sources & references

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