Final answer:
Knowing that a study had an independent variable suggests that the research was likely conducted as a controlled experiment. In a controlled experiment, the independent variable is manipulated or controlled by the experimenter, while the dependent variable is what is measured to see how much effect the independent variable had.
Step-by-step explanation:
The knowledge of having an independent variable is not enough to determine the type of research conducted. However, in this situation, knowing that a study had an independent variable suggests that the research was likely conducted as a controlled experiment.
In a controlled experiment, the independent variable is manipulated or controlled by the experimenter, while the dependent variable is what is measured to see how much effect the independent variable had. The control group serves as a basis for comparison and controls for chance factors that might influence the results. By manipulating the independent variable and comparing the control group to the experimental group, researchers can determine the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
The knowledge of an independent variable alone is insufficient to determine the type of research conducted, but in this case, it strongly suggests the likelihood of a controlled experiment. In a controlled experiment, researchers manipulate or control the independent variable to observe its effects on the dependent variable. The experimental design typically includes a control group for comparison, serving as a baseline to account for chance factors.
The manipulation of the independent variable distinguishes controlled experiments from other research approaches. By comparing the outcomes between the experimental and control groups, researchers can assess the impact of the independent variable on the dependent variable, contributing to the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships. Therefore, the presence of an independent variable hints at a structured experimental design, reinforcing the idea that controlled experiments are often characterized by the manipulation of this variable.