dependent variables
What experiments measure
A dependent variable is what you measure in an experiment—the outcome that changes in response to what the researcher manipulates.
In The study measured how sleep affects test scores, test scores are the dependent variable because they depend on sleep.
The term contrasts with independent variable, which is what gets changed to see the effect.
Unchanged experimental factors
- confounding variablesUncontrolled factors skewing results
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- treatmentCare for an ailment
- interventionPurposeful involvement to change course
control group · experimental design · hypothesis · causality · operationalization · randomization · isolation · conditions
Return to former state
- correlationStatistical relationship measure
- covarianceJoint deviation measure
- predictionForecast of coming events
- multivariateInvolving multiple variables simultaneously
ANOVA · covariate · significance · t-test · chi-square · distribution · continuous · categorical
Defining concepts as measurable
- indicatorsSigns that reveal status
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
- validityQuality of being sound
- reliabilityConsistent, predictable performance
accuracy · precision · quantitative · qualitative · data collection · instruments · observation · self-report
Result of a cause
- resultWhat follows a cause
- responseAnswer to stimulus
- endpointFinal point reached
- impactForceful contact or consequence
change · performance · behavior · yield · output · consequence · difference
control variables
Unchanged experimental factors
- confounding variablesUncontrolled factors skewing results
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- treatmentCare for an ailment
intervention · control group · experimental design · hypothesis · causality · operationalization · randomization · isolation · conditions · placebo
regression
Return to former state
- correlationStatistical relationship measure
- covarianceJoint deviation measure
- predictionForecast of coming events
multivariate · ANOVA · covariate · significance · t-test · chi-square · distribution · continuous · categorical · discrete
operationalization
Defining concepts as measurable
- indicatorsSigns that reveal status
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
- validityQuality of being sound
reliability · accuracy · precision · quantitative · qualitative · data collection · instruments · observation · self-report · response
effect
Result of a cause
impact · change · performance · behavior · yield · output · consequence · difference
- lab documentssafety protocols, data tables, lab notebooks, control variables
- research methodsexperiment, hypothesis, deduction, experiments, induction
dependent variablesindependent variables
Factors manipulated in experiments
control variables · treatments · factors · covariates · drivers
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