In a causal relationship, what is the term for the variable that influences change in another variable?

In a causal relationship, the independent variable is the factor that is manipulated or changed to observe its effect on another variable. This variable is considered to be the cause, which actively influences or brings about change in the outcome variable, known as the dependent variable. In research, identifying the independent variable is crucial because it helps to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between variables. Understanding this relationship is essential for drawing conclusions and making generalizations based on the data collected.

The dependent variable, on the other hand, is what is measured in the experiment and is expected to change as a result of variations in the independent variable. Control variables are kept constant to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are specifically due to the independent variable's influence, while moderating variables can alter the strength or direction of the relationship between independent and dependent variables but are not the primary cause themselves.