What is the term for the effect that changes as a result of manipulation by the independent variable?

The term that describes the effect that changes as a result of manipulation by the independent variable is known as the dependent variable. In research, the dependent variable is the outcome or response that researchers measure in an experiment. It is called "dependent" because its value is dependent on changes made to the independent variable. For example, in a study examining the effect of a new teaching method on student test scores, the test scores would be considered the dependent variable, as they are expected to change based on the implementation of the teaching method (the independent variable).

Understanding this relationship is crucial in research design, as it allows researchers to determine the impact of different factors on the outcomes being studied. The clarity in defining independent and dependent variables helps ensure that experiments are properly structured and that the results can be analyzed effectively.