Final answer:
It is true that the independent variable is considered to affect the dependent variable in an experimental context. The independent variable is controlled or changed by the researcher to observe any resulting changes in the dependent variable, which is the outcome variable measured.
Step-by-step explanation:
In theoretical terms, it is true that we think of the independent variable as affecting the dependent variable in some way. The independent variable is the one that is manipulated or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable, which is the outcome of interest that is being measured. For example, in a study examining how different types of teaching (computer program vs. in-person instruction) affect learning outcomes, the type of teaching method is the independent variable; whereas, learning outcomes are the dependent variable that may change as a result of the teaching method.