What is a dependent variable in research?

The correct answer defines the dependent variable as the outcome variable that is measured to assess the effects of the independent variable. In research, the dependent variable is what the researcher is trying to understand or predict. It changes in response to the manipulation of the independent variable, which is the variable that the researcher adjusts or controls during the experiment.

For example, if a study is investigating the effect of different amounts of sunlight on plant growth, the growth of the plants (which can be measured in terms of height or biomass) is the dependent variable. The amount of sunlight, which varies during the experiment, is the independent variable. The results will show how changes in sunlight exposure affect plant growth.

This understanding of the dependent variable is crucial for designing experiments and interpreting data, as it helps to establish causality and the effects of different factors involved in the research.