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

In scientific experiments, the outcome factor that changes in response to manipulations of the independent variable is known as the dependent variable. This variable is observed and measured to assess the effect of the independent variable, which represents the factor that is manipulated by the researcher.

For example, if an experiment is designed to evaluate how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth, the amount of plant growth is the dependent variable, as it depends on the amount of sunlight provided (the independent variable). The relationship between these two variables is crucial for identifying causal relationships in research studies.

The dependent variable is essential for drawing conclusions from the experiment and determining whether the manipulation of the independent variable had a significant effect. This understanding of how variables interact is fundamental in the field of biological sciences and experimental design.