dependent variable

Meaning

1. 1nouncountable

   In an experiment or equation, the variable whose value changes in response to another variable.

   Grammar: Countable; usually used with the definite article or a possessive: the dependent variable, its dependent variable.

   Patterns

   • the dependent variable
   • measure the dependent variable
   • dependent variable on the y-axis

   In this study, the dependent variable was the number of errors made by each participant.

   The dependent variable is plotted on the vertical axis, while the independent variable goes on the horizontal axis.

   Researchers must clearly define the dependent variable before collecting data.

Word forms

Common combinations

independent variable

The independent variable is the one the experimenter manipulates.

measure the dependent variable

We measured the dependent variable at the end of each trial.

dependent variable on the y-axis

By convention, the dependent variable is placed on the y-axis.

manipulate the independent variable

You manipulate the independent variable to see its effect on the dependent variable.

Synonyms and how they differ

response variable

Used especially in statistics; it emphasizes that the variable responds to changes in another variable.

outcome variable

Common in social sciences; it focuses on the result or outcome being measured.

criterion variable

Used in some research contexts, especially when predicting an outcome.

Opposites

Word family

depend verb

To be affected by or rely on something else.

dependence noun

The state of being affected by or needing something else.

dependent adjective

Affected by or relying on something else.

Commonly confused: dependent variable or independent variable?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “dependent variable”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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