Final answer:
The independent variable in this investigation is the dosage of the medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this case, the dosage of the medication is represented by the different groups receiving different amounts of the pill. Group 1 receives a pill containing 20 mg, Group 2 receives a pill containing 40 mg, and Group 3 receives a pill containing no active ingredients.
The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated or changed by the researchers in order to study its effect on the dependent variable, which is the outcome being measured. In this study, the researchers are manipulating the dosage of the medication to determine if it has an effect on the size of tumors in breast cancer patients.
By comparing the results of the three groups, the researchers can determine if there is a difference in tumor size based on the dosage of the medication. This helps them understand whether the medication is effective in reducing tumor size.