The difference between dependent and independent variables is that the dependent variable changes with changes in the independent variable. Therefore, if variations are observed in a variable in correlation with another variable, they are
categorized into dependent and independent variables in research, psychology, or experimental investigations. Hence, the independent variable is manipulated and controlled in experiments to explore its effects on the dependent variable. You are free to use this image on your website, templates, etc., Please provide us with an attribution linkArticle Link to be Hyperlinked
Comparative Table
What is a Dependent Variable?A dependent variable is an element in a study, research, or statistical model that depends on a specific independent variable. It is also known as the outcome variable since it is the outcome that the researchers seek and measure using an independent variable. It is an important input in defining the result of an experiment. A dependent variable is dynamic and therefore showcases the change, effect, impact, or influence of the change made in the independent variable. A simple example of a dependent variable in a study will be the calories burnt in a workout session; here, the calories are a dependent variable because it depends on the workout, whereas the training itself is an independent variable and stands alone. Any change or manipulation in the activity, like time duration, type of exercise, amount of effort, etc., influences or changes the dependent variable. What is an Independent Variable?The independent variable is the standalone element in an experiment and does not respond to or depend on any other element. It represents the cause behind any change being measured or consequences in the research model. It is utilized to explore its impact, influence, and change reflected in or exhibited by the dependent variable. For example, in an experiment to see how different types of food fed to a man affect his body and health, the food tried is categorized into healthy and unhealthy food. Here health is the dependent variable shaped by the independent variable, the food provided. It is clear that the human is the model or system in which both variables operate, and the analyst measures the output variable, health. Dependent Variable vs Independent Variable – Infographics You are free to use this image on your website, templates,
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Why is it important to control other variables other than the independent and dependent ones?If you don't control relevant extraneous variables, they may influence the outcomes of your study, and you may not be able to demonstrate that your results are really an effect of your independent variable.
Why is it important to control all other variables?In experiments, a researcher or a scientist aims to understand the effect that an independent variable has on a dependent variable. Control variables help ensure that the experiment results are fair, unskewed, and not caused by your experimental manipulation.
Why is it important that all other variables other than independent remain constant?If these are not kept constant, then it is impossible to determine the effect of the variable that you are intending to test.
Why is there a need to control other variables except the independent variable in an experiment?The researcher wants to make sure that it is the manipulation of the independent variable that has changed the changes in the dependent variable. Hence, all the other variables that could affect the dependent variable to change must be controlled. These other variables are called extraneous or confounding variables.
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