Which variable is typically influenced or affected by other variables in an experiment?

In an experiment, the dependent variable is the one that researchers measure to see how it is affected by changes in other variables, namely the independent variables. The independent variable is manipulated or altered to observe its impact, while the dependent variable reflects any changes resulting from that manipulation.

For instance, if a researcher is testing the effect of different study techniques on test scores, the study technique would be the independent variable, and the test scores would be the dependent variable. Researchers are interested in how variations in the independent variable lead to variations in the dependent variable, which is why the dependent variable is typically the focus of measurement and analysis in experimental research.

The other variables mentioned, like moderating and extraneous variables, play different roles. Moderating variables can influence the strength or direction of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, while extraneous variables are those that could affect the dependent variable but are not part of the study’s focus. Hence, they could potentially introduce errors or biases if not controlled. Understanding the concept of dependent variables is crucial, as it allows researchers to draw valid conclusions about the effects of their experiments.