Which statement best defines the dependent variable?

• A. The measurable outcome
• B. The manipulated variable
• C. The sample size
• D. The research setting

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the dependent variable is the measurable outcome you observe and measure in response to changing something else in the study. In an experiment you manipulate the independent variable to see its effect on this outcome, so the dependent variable is what you quantify to assess that effect. For example, if you’re testing how a medication dose affects blood pressure, blood pressure is the dependent variable because you measure it to determine the drug’s impact. The other terms refer to different parts of the study: the thing you actively change is the independent (manipulated) variable, the number of participants is the sample size, and the setting is where the study takes place.