Final answer:
The dependent variable changes in response to the independent variable in a study or experiment. It is the outcome that researchers measure to determine the effect of the independent variable. Identifying these variables correctly is crucial for designing an experiment that can establish causal relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key concept of a dependent variable shows how to determine the outcome or result in an experiment or study that is expected to change when the independent variable is manipulated. In research or a scientific experiment, you identify which variable is the independent variable (IV), the 'driver' that creates change, and the dependent variable (DV), the 'receiving' variable, which is affected by that change. For instance, if we are studying the effect of teaching methods on learning outcomes, the type of teaching method would be the independent variable, and the learning outcomes would be the dependent variable.
To answer the question, the dependent variable is not the one that is manipulated; instead, it is the variable that is being affected by the change. A well-designed experiment can show or disprove causation between the independent and dependent variables.
Examples of Dependent and Independent Variables
Understanding the role of these variables helps researchers to construct meaningful experiments. For example, when researchers study the impact of hygiene education on children's self-esteem, hygiene education is the independent variable, while self-esteem is the dependent variable. Observing the dependent variable yields insight into the effect of the independent variable, facilitating a more accurate understanding of causation.