What is another name for the outcome variable in experimental methods?

What is another name for the outcome variable in experimental methods?

• A. Dependent variable
• B. Independent variable
• C. Moderator
• D. Mediator

Answer: (A)

In experimental methods, the outcome you measure is called the dependent variable because its value depends on what you do to the independent variable. You manipulate the independent variable to see its effect, and the resulting measurement is the dependent variable—the observed outcome. Mediation and moderation describe roles that can influence or explain the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, rather than what you’re directly measuring as the outcome. For example, if you vary a drug dose (independent variable) and measure pain relief (dependent variable), the pain relief depends on the dose.

In experimental methods, the outcome you measure is called the dependent variable because its value depends on what you do to the independent variable. You manipulate the independent variable to see its effect, and the resulting measurement is the dependent variable—the observed outcome. Mediation and moderation describe roles that can influence or explain the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, rather than what you’re directly measuring as the outcome. For example, if you vary a drug dose (independent variable) and measure pain relief (dependent variable), the pain relief depends on the dose.