Differentiate between dependent variable and independent variable in research?

In research, the dependent variable and independent variable are two key components that help to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Here is how they differ:

1. Dependent Variable:
- Definition: The dependent variable is the variable that is being measured or observed in an experiment or study. It is the outcome or result that researchers are interested in understanding or explaining.
- Role: The dependent variable is influenced or affected by changes in the independent variable(s). It is the variable that researchers seek to explain or predict based on the manipulation or variation of the independent variable(s).
- Example: In a study investigating the effect of a new drug on blood pressure, the dependent variable would be the blood pressure readings of the participants.

2. Independent Variable:
- Definition: The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher. It is the variable that is intentionally changed or varied to observe its impact on the dependent variable.
- Role: The independent variable is the potential cause or predictor of changes in the dependent variable. Researchers manipulate or vary the independent variable(s) to examine how it influences the dependent variable.
- Example: In the same study mentioned earlier, the independent variable would be the administration of the new drug. The researcher would give different doses of the drug to different groups of participants to observe its effect on their blood pressure.

In summary, the dependent variable is the outcome or result being measured, while the independent variable is the variable being manipulated to observe its impact on the dependent variable.