Time is usually which variable

These are contrasted with the dependent variable , which is the value, i. Thus if we have a function f x , then x is an independent variable, and f x is a dependent variable. The dependent variable depends on the independent variables; hence the names.

When there is only one independent variable and its values and those of the dependent variable are real numbers , then one conventionally draws the graph of the function with values of the independent variable on the horizontal axis—the x -axis—and the values of the dependent variable on the vertical axis—the y -axis see Cartesian coordinates. In calculus , the identification of of the independent and dependent variable is significant, since the rate of change, or derivative , of the dependent variable is calculated with respect to the independent variable.

Depending on the context, independent variables are also known as predictor variables , regressors , controlled variables , manipulated variables , or explanatory variables. The dependent variable is also known as the response variable , the regressand , the measured variable , the responding variable , the explained variable , or the outcome variable.

Answer: Just like an independent variable, a dependent variable is exactly what it sounds like. It is something that depends on other factors.

For example, a test score could be a dependent variable because it could change depending on several factors such as how much you studied, how much sleep you got the night before you took the test, or even how hungry you were when you took it. Usually when you are looking for a relationship between two things you are trying to find out what makes the dependent variable change the way it does.

Many people have trouble remembering which is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable. An easy way to remember is to insert the names of the two variables you are using in this sentence in they way that makes the most sense.

Then you can figure out which is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable:. Independent variable causes a change in Dependent Variable and it isn't possible that Dependent Variable could cause a change in Independent Variable.

In research, variables are any characteristics that can take on different values, such as height, age, species, or exam score. In scientific research, we often want to study the effect of one variable on another one. For example, you might want to test whether students who spend more time studying get better exam scores. The variables in a study of a cause-and-effect relationship are called the independent and dependent variables.

Table of contents Independent and dependent variables in experiments Variables in other types of research Visualizing independent and dependent variables Frequently asked questions. In experimental research , the independent variable is manipulated or changed by the experimenter to measure the effect of this change on the dependent variable.

To test whether the medication is effective, you divide your patients into two groups. One group takes the medication, while the other group takes a sugar pill placebo.

The independent variable is usually applied at different levels to see how the outcome differs. You can apply just two levels e.

You can also apply multiple levels e. Instead, they must find already-existing examples of the independent variable, and investigate how changes in this variable affect the dependent variable. Instead, you look at a state that raised its minimum wage last year, and compare it to a neighboring state that did not. By comparing the difference in outcomes between the two states and accounting for other factors , you can investigate whether the change in minimum wage had an effect on employment rates.

These are known as confounding variables. In types of research where the exact relationship between variables is less certain, you might use different terms for independent and dependent variables. Sometimes, the variable you think is the cause might not be fully independent — it might be influenced by other variables.

In this case, one of these terms is more appropriate:. Scribbr Plagiarism Checker. Researchers often use charts or graphs to visualize the results of their studies. For instance, how might a graph look from our example study on the impact of a new medication on blood pressure? Frequently asked questions What are independent and dependent variables?

You can think of independent and dependent variables in terms of cause and effect: an independent variable is the variable you think is the cause , while a dependent variable is the effect. In an experiment, you manipulate the independent variable and measure the outcome in the dependent variable.