What differentiates "dependent" variables from "independent" variables?

The correct response indicates that dependent variables are the outcomes measured in response to manipulated independent variables, emphasizing the relationship between these two types of variables in research. In an experiment, the independent variable is the factor that is changed or controlled to test its effects on the dependent variable. For instance, if a researcher is studying the impact of a new therapy on anxiety levels, the therapy would be the independent variable, while the change in anxiety levels would be the dependent variable. This terminology is critical in research design, as it helps clarify how different factors interact and influence outcomes, allowing researchers to establish causal relationships within their studies. Understanding this distinction is essential for analyzing empirical data and correctly interpreting research findings.