Which statement is true about independent and dependent variables?

Which statement is true about independent and dependent variables?

• A. The dependent variable predicts the independent variable.
• B. The independent variable is manipulated to observe effects on the dependent variable.
• C. Both variables must be numeric.
• D. Population is the entire group.

Answer: (B)

When designing studies, you distinguish what the researcher changes from what is measured. The independent variable is the factor deliberately manipulated to see its effect on another variable, the dependent variable, which is the outcome you observe or measure. For example, varying study time (independent) to see how it affects exam scores (dependent) illustrates this relationship. That’s why this statement is true: the independent variable is manipulated to observe effects on the dependent variable. The other ideas aren’t accurate: the dependent variable doesn’t predict the independent, and the independent variable isn’t required to be numeric—categorical factors like treatment vs. control are common. Population refers to the entire group being studied, not to the relationship between variables.

When designing studies, you distinguish what the researcher changes from what is measured. The independent variable is the factor deliberately manipulated to see its effect on another variable, the dependent variable, which is the outcome you observe or measure. For example, varying study time (independent) to see how it affects exam scores (dependent) illustrates this relationship. That’s why this statement is true: the independent variable is manipulated to observe effects on the dependent variable. The other ideas aren’t accurate: the dependent variable doesn’t predict the independent, and the independent variable isn’t required to be numeric—categorical factors like treatment vs. control are common. Population refers to the entire group being studied, not to the relationship between variables.