In a study, which variable would be described as the one that is measured to assess the effect of the manipulation?

• A. Independent Variable
• B. Hypothesis
• C. Dependent Variable
• D. Intervening Variable

Answer: (C)

The measured outcome used to see what the manipulation did is the dependent variable. In an experiment, you deliberately change something—the manipulation—and then observe what happens. The thing you measure to determine the effect is the dependent variable because it depends on, or is influenced by, the manipulation. For example, if you vary study time (the manipulation), the test scores you record to gauge performance are the dependent variable. An intervening (mediating) variable would explain how or why the effect occurs, but it’s not the primary outcome used to assess the effect. A hypothesis is a predicted relationship, not itself the thing you measure. So the measurement that assesses the effect of the manipulation is the dependent variable.