Scribd
Upload
930 views4 pages

A. Independent and Dependent Variable

The document discusses the key differences between independent and dependent variables. [1] An independent variable is one whose values can be deliberately changed by the researcher, while a dependent variable changes in response to the independent variable. [2] Independent variables are considered causes that can be manipulated, while dependent variables are the observed effects. [3] Independent variables are denoted by x and dependent variables by y in simple linear regression models.

Uploaded by

Jerome
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
930 views4 pages

A. Independent and Dependent Variable

The document discusses the key differences between independent and dependent variables. [1] An independent variable is one whose values can be deliberately changed by the researcher, while a dependent variable changes in response to the independent variable. [2] Independent variables are considered causes that can be manipulated, while dependent variables are the observed effects. [3] Independent variables are denoted by x and dependent variables by y in simple linear regression models.

Uploaded by

Jerome
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Difference Between Independent and Dependent

Variable

In statistics, the most often used word is ‘variable’ which refers to a characteristic
that contains the value, which may vary from one entity to another. It is similar to
the variables used in other disciplines like science and mathematics. The two most
common types of variable are the dependent variable and independent variable. A
variable is said to be independent, whose change influence another variable, while
if the variable is dependent, it will change in response to the change in some other
variable.

The dependence of the former on the latter is being examined by the statistical
models. So, here in this article, we are going to discuss some important points of
difference between independent and dependent variable.

Comparison Chart

BASIS FOR
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE
COMPARISON

Meaning Independent Variable is one whose Dependent Variable refers to a


values are deliberately changed by variable which changes its values in
the researcher in order to obtain a order to reciprocate change in the
BASIS FOR
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE
COMPARISON

desired outcome. values of independent variable.

What is it? Antecedent Consequent

Relationship Presumed cause Observed effect

Regarded as Experiment Controller Experiment Measure

Values Manipulated by the researcher. Measured by the researcher.

Usually denoted by X y

Definition of Independent Variable

As its name suggests, an independent variable is one which remains unaffected by


other variables. Alternately known as the predictor variable, explanatory variable,
controlled variable. It is a variable; the researcher has control over its selection and
manipulation, i.e. the levels can be changed, or it changes on its own due to
circumstances. Moreover, its effect on other variables is measured and compared.

Definition of Dependent Variable

A dependent variable is a consequence of an independent variable i.e. it is variable


that measures the effect of the independent variable on the test units. It is also
known as the criterion or measured variable.

It is something that the experimenter observes during an experiment and is


influenced by the experiment. It is expected to change in response to some other
factors. The revised value of the dependent value depends on the independent
variable.
Key Differences Between Independent and Dependent
Variable
The significant differences between independent and dependent variable are
explained in the following points:

1. The variable whose values are deliberately changed by the researcher in


order to obtain the desired outcome is called an independent variable. The
variable, which changes its values in order to reciprocate change in the
values of the independent variable is called the dependent variable.
2. The values of the independent variable can be changed as per requirement,
by the researcher. Conversely, the value of the independent variables is
unchangeable.
3. Manipulation can be done in the values of the independent variable, but the
researcher observes the value of a dependent variable during an experiment.
4. The independent variable is known as the experiment controller in an
experiment, whereas, the dependent variable is also known as experiment
measure.
5. An independent variable is a presumed cause whereas the dependent
variable is a measured effect.
6. In simple linear regression, ‘y’ denotes dependent variable while ‘x’ denotes
independent variable, which means y depends on x.

Example

Suppose you want to check the height of a normal at different ages. So here the
dependent variable is height, while the independent variable is the age, which is
going to change on its own.

Here the height of the boy is shown on the y-axis, whereas x-axis indicates the age.

Conclusion

There can be multiple dependent variables for one independent variable. In a


scientific experiment, the independent variables are controlled or changed whereas
the dependent variables tend to be measured and tested. An independent variable is
the one that does not rely on anything else and hence can be manipulated, while the
dependent shows the effect, of changes made to the independent variable.

You might also like