Which variable is the outcome measured as a result of the manipulated variable?

• A. Independent variable
• B. Dependent variable
• C. Confounding variable
• D. Baseline

Answer: (B)

When you run an experiment, you deliberately change one factor to see its effect on another. The factor you change is the independent variable, and the outcome you measure in response to that change is the dependent variable. The dependent variable depends on what you manipulated, so it’s the observable result you track to assess the effect. For example, if you vary the amount of fertilizer (independent variable) and measure plant height (dependent variable), the height shows how growth responds to the fertilizer. Confounding variables are uncontrolled factors that can influence the outcome, and a baseline is an initial reference measure used for comparison.