Final answer:
The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, and the dependent variable is the outcome that is measured.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option : b
In experimental research, the experimenter manipulates the independent variable to measure its effects on the dependent variable. The independent variable is the one that is controlled or changed by the researcher to observe the outcomes it has on the dependent variable which is what is being measured in the experiment. The dependent variable is also known as the outcome variable because it depends on the independent variable. For example, in an experiment on how fertilizer affects plant growth, the amount of fertilizer applied is the independent variable, and the plant growth is the dependent variable.
The control group would not receive the fertilizer to establish a comparison against the experimental group. It's crucial that all other variables that might influence the outcome of the experiment be controlled or remain constant to ensure that the effects observed are due solely to manipulation of the independent variable. This is essential in producing reliable and valid results that could confirm or reject the hypothesis being tested.