What is the term for the variable that is measured in an experiment?

The term for the variable that is measured in an experiment is the dependent variable. This variable is crucial because it reflects the outcomes of the experiment, allowing researchers to assess the effects of changes made to the independent variable. In a typical experimental setup, the researcher manipulates the independent variable to observe how it influences the dependent variable. This relationship helps in understanding causal relationships within the experimental framework.

For example, if a researcher is investigating how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth, the amount of growth measured (such as height or number of leaves) is the dependent variable, as it’s dependent on the amount of sunlight received, which is the independent variable. Understanding this relationship allows for stronger conclusions about how changes in the independent variable directly impact the dependent variable.