The outcome factor that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable is called what?

• A. Dependent variable
• B. Independent variable
• C. Mediator
• D. Moderator

Answer: (A)

In experimental designs, you manipulate one factor—the independent variable—and then you observe what happens to another factor—the dependent variable. The dependent variable is the outcome that may change in response to those manipulations, so it’s the measure you use to see the effect of your experimental changes. For example, if you varying the amount of sleep (the independent variable) and measure test performance (the dependent variable), the performance outcome may change as sleep is altered.

Mediators are variables that explain how or why the effect occurs between the two, linking the manipulation to the outcome, while moderators are factors that influence the strength or direction of that relationship. The independent variable is what you deliberately change, not the outcome you observe.