Independent variable

Independent variable is a term used in statistical analysis and experimental research to denote a variable that is manipulated or controlled in an experiment. It is the variable that is presumed to cause or determine a dependent variable. It is also known as the predictor variable, explanatory variable, or regressor in different fields.

Definition

In an experiment, the independent variable is the variable that is varied or manipulated by the researcher. It is the presumed cause, while the dependent variable is the presumed effect. The independent variable is the antecedent, while the dependent variable is the consequent.

Examples

In a study of how different doses of a drug affect the severity of symptoms, a researcher could compare the frequency and intensity of symptoms when different doses are administered. Here, the independent variable is the dose, and the dependent variable is the frequency and intensity of symptoms.

Role in Research

In research design, an independent variable is a variable that a researcher intentionally manipulates to determine if changes in an independent variable cause changes in a dependent variable. This determination is often made by statistically analyzing collected data.

See Also

• Dependent variable
• Control variable
• Extraneous variable
• Confounding variable

References

Independent variable Resources
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