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Updated on December 01, 2019 Both the independent variable and dependent variable are examined in an experiment using the scientific method, so it's important to know what they are and how to use them. Here are the definitions for independent and dependent variables, examples of each variable, and the explanation for how to graph them. Independent VariableThe independent variable is the condition that you change in an experiment. It is the variable you control. It is called independent because its value does not depend on and is not affected by the state of any other variable in the experiment. Sometimes you may hear this variable called the "controlled variable" because it is the one that is changed. Do not confuse it with a "control variable," which is a variable that is purposely held constant so that it can't affect the outcome of the experiment. Dependent VariableThe dependent variable is the condition that you measure in an experiment. You are assessing how it responds to a change in the independent variable, so you can think of it as depending on the independent variable. Sometimes the dependent variable is called the "responding variable." Independent and Dependent Variable Examples
How to Tell the Independent and Dependent Variable ApartIf you are having a hard time identifying which variable is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable, remember the dependent variable is the one affected by a change in the independent variable. If you write out the variables in a sentence that shows cause and effect, the independent variable causes the effect on the dependent variable. If you have the variables in the wrong order, the sentence won't make sense. Independent variable causes an effect on the dependent variable. Example: How long you sleep (independent variable) affects your test score (dependent variable). This makes sense, but: Example: Your test score affects how long you sleep. This doesn't really make sense (unless you can't sleep because you are worried you failed a test, but that would be a different experiment). How to Plot Variables on a GraphThere is a standard method for graphing the independent and dependent variable. The x-axis is the independent variable, while the y-axis is the dependent variable. You can use the DRY MIX acronym to help remember how to graph variables: DRY MIX D = dependent variable M = manipulated variable Test your understanding with the scientific method quiz. A variable in the field of research is an object, idea, or any other characteristic which can take any value that you are trying to measure. A variable can be age, blood pressure, height, exam score, sea level, time, etc. There are primarily two types of variables used in an experiment – Independent Variables and Dependent Variables. Independent variable definitionAs per the name, an independent variable (IV) stands alone. The value does not change due to the impact of any other variable. The researcher manipulates or changes the independent variable to measure its impact on other variables. Independent variables in some cases can already exist like age, but it is not dependent on any other variable. Change with your Business. Let's dive in.Dependent variable definitionSimilarly, a dependent variable (DV) as the name suggests depends on other variables. It is the variable that is being tested in the experiment. A researcher measures the outcome of the experiment to see how other variables cause changes in the value of a dependent variable. Let’s take the example of “Test Scores”. You want to see the effect of studying or sleeping on a test score. In the example, “test score” is the dependent variable. “Studying” or “sleeping” is the independent variable because these factors impact how much a student scores on the test. So, in the experiment, you are trying to determine if and how one variable affects the other. Here you can manipulate the independent variable (time of studying) to see if the dependent variable (test score) changes or not. Wondering what will be the cost of conducting survey research using Voxco?Difference between Independent and Dependent VariableThe easiest way to identify which variable in your experiment is the Independent Variable (IV) and which one is the Dependent Variable (DV) is by putting both the variables in the sentence below in a way that makes sense. “The IV causes a change in the DV. It is not possible that DV could cause any change in IV.” In an experiment when you make changes in the Independent Variables your aim is to measure the changes it causes to the Dependent Variables. Remember that the dependent variable is affected by the changes you make in the independent variable. Examples of Independent and Dependent VariablesLet’s explore some examples of dependent and independent variables to understand their properties better. How does the amount of sleep impact test scores?
What is the effect of fast food on blood pressure?
What is the effect of caffeine on sleep?
Engaging surveys that require no coding! In Experiment – Independent and Dependent Variables In an experiment, the independent variable is the characteristic that is manipulated by the researcher to gauge the effect of the changes on the dependent variable. Note that, it is always the resulting change on the dependent variable that is measured by altering the independent variable. For example, you want to determine the effect of exposure to classical music on the test scores in math. To see the changes in the test score you divide students into two groups. Students in Group A listened to classical music for an hour every day for two months. Students in Group B were not instructed to listen to classical music. After two months students of both groups were given a math test. It was seen that Group A performed better than Group B. In the experiment, test score in math exam was the dependent variable and the exposure or lack thereof to classical music was the independent variable. In an Experiment, while the most common study has one independent variable and one dependent variable, it is also possible to have a different level of each variable.
For example, you run an experiment to learn how playing video games impact a teenager’s memory as well as their mood. In the experiment, while playing video games is your independent variable, the teenager’s memory, and mood are your two dependent variables.
For example, you want to see how a healthy diet can help with weight loss. So, you will look for several types of a healthy diet and their impact on weight. In this case, different types of diet would be your different levels of the independent variable, while weight loss is the outcome that makes it the dependent variable.
For example, you want to see whether age impacts weight gain.
You cannot control the age of the people you are studying to understand its impact on weight gain. So, you compare the factors that had an effect on weight and the factors that did not. Comparing the difference in the other factors you can learn the changes in the weight of a person caused by their age. Voxco offers a complete suite of tools for market research Pitfalls to Be Aware OfAside from dependent and independent variables, you must be aware of other variables that may influence the result of your experiment. Extraneous VariablesExtraneous variables may influence the relationships between the Independent and the Dependent variables. Researchers try to identify these variables in order to control them. Confounding VariablesConfounding variables are those variables that cannot be controlled in research. In non-experimental research, there may be other variables that you have not identified. These variables may be influencing changes in the outcome. Are you looking for the best market research tools? FAQsThe main difference between dependent and independent variables is in the definition.
The best way to identify dependent and independent variables in research is by putting the variables in the sentence “The Independent variable causes a change in Dependent variable.” Variables are characteristics that take on different values. In experimental research, there are three types of Variables: Independent, Dependent, and Controlled Variables. When you try to boil a potato, as the temperature of water rises the potato boils faster. Here, the temperature of the water is an Independent Variable and Potato is the Dependent Variable. An independent variable is often denoted by “x.” It is a variable whose value does not depend on another variable. An independent variable is the factors or conditions that you can manipulate in an experiment. This variable can directly affect the value of a dependent variable. A Dependent variable is denoted by “y.” It is a variable whose value depends on that of an independent variable. In an experiment, a dependent variable is a factor that is observed or measured. When you vary an independent variable, you observe the change in your dependent variable. What are some examples of independent and dependent variables for kids?Example: How long you sleep (independent variable) affects your test score (dependent variable). This makes sense, but: Example: Your test score affects how long you sleep. This doesn't really make sense, so we know that how long you sleep is the independent variable, and your test score is the dependent variable.
What are independent and dependent variables in educational research?The independent variable is the cause. Its value is independent of other variables in your study. The dependent variable is the effect. Its value depends on changes in the independent variable.
Is education a dependent variable or independent variable?The level of education is the independent variable. Their healthiness is the dependent variable. Of course, these types of studies often have more than one independent variable. It's important to account for other factors that can influence your dependent variable.
What are some examples of independent and dependent variables in education?In a study to determine whether how long a student sleeps affects test scores, the independent variable is the length of time spent sleeping while the dependent variable is the test score.
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Research topics with independent and dependent variables in education
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