Defining the Dependent Variable
A dependent variable is the factor in an experiment that is observed or measured for change. It's called "dependent" because its value is expected to depend on the changes made to another variable, known as the independent variable. Researchers specifically look for effects on this variable.
Responding to Change
In any controlled experiment, the dependent variable is the outcome you are interested in. When the independent variable is manipulated or changed, any resulting alteration in the dependent variable is what the experiment aims to detect and quantify, providing evidence for a cause-and-effect relationship.
A Practical Example
Consider an experiment testing the effect of fertilizer amount on plant growth. The "plant growth" (e.g., height, leaf count) would be the dependent variable. It is expected to change in response to the different "amounts of fertilizer" (the independent variable) applied to the plants.
Significance in Research
Clearly identifying and precisely measuring the dependent variable is crucial for the validity and reliability of any scientific study. Without a well-defined dependent variable, it's impossible to draw meaningful conclusions about the impact of the independent variable or to determine if the hypothesis was supported.