Final answer:
The 'number of alerts provided over the course of the program' acts as a dependent variable since it is the outcome that researchers measure to see how much effect the independent variable had in an experimental study.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the given question, the statistic 'number of alerts provided over the course of the program' would act as a dependent variable. This is because the dependent variable is the one that is affected by changes in the independent variable, which in an experiment is the factor that the researchers manipulate. If, for example, the study is comparing different teaching methods such as computer programs versus in-person instruction, the number of alerts would be influenced by the method used, thus making it the dependent variable.
Understanding the role of variables is critical in research design and helps to determine causality. The independent variable is the one believed to cause change, while the dependent variable is the effect or outcome that is measured. Control variables are those that are kept constant to prevent them from influencing the dependent variable, and confounding variables are those that could potentially interfere with the relationship between the independent and dependent variables if not controlled.