Dependent and Independent Variable

Dependent and Independent Variables are the output and input respectively in an experiment. In an experiment, In contrast, the independent variable in an experiment is something we intentionally manipulate or alter while the dependent variable is what we measure and is dependent upon the modifications we make to the independent variable.

In this article, we will learn what are dependent and independent variables, their definitions, Graph between Independent and Dependent Variables along with difference between Dependent and Independent Variable in Tabular Form.

What are Dependent and Independent Variables

Dependent and Independent Variables are important concepts in statistical science to understand the happening of events in economics, agriculture, health, and various other sectors of science. Let’s understand what are Dependent and Independent Variables.

What is Dependent Variable?

• Dependent Variable is the variable under consideration is the observed or measured outcome of the experiment.
• It is the variable that might alter in reaction to adjustments made to the independent variable.
• Y stands for the dependent variable, which is the subject of the analysis in this study.

What is Independent Variable?

• Independent variable represents the assumed cause or deliberately altered component in an experiment.
• This variable is believed to influence the dependent variable.
• They are frequently indicated as ‘X,’ this variable is the one that the investigator has authority over.

Definition of Dependent and Independent Variable

The definition of Dependent and Independent Variable is mentioned below:

Dependent Variable Definition

The outcome or result that varies in response to changes in the independent variable is known as the dependent variable. In an experiment, it is the variable that we measure or watch.

Independent Variable Definition

The variable that is purposefully altered or manipulated in order to see how it affects the dependent variable is known as the independent variable. In a cause-and-effect relationship, the variable is regarded as the cause.

Dependent and Independent Variable Examples

The Examples of Dependent and Independent Variable is mentioned below:

Example1: Exam scores are the dependent variable in a study looking at the relationship between study hours and exam scores because exam scores are dependent on study hours, while study hours are the independent variable.

• Dependent Variable: exam scores
• Independent Variable: study hours

Example 2: Changes in x will have an impact on changes in y for the function y=2x+3, where x is the independent variable and y is the dependent variable.

• Dependent Variable: y
• Independent Variable: x

Graph of Dependent and Independent Variable

Researchers frequently use a Bar Graph and a Line Graph graphically depict the relationship between a dependent variable (DV) and an independent variable (IV). The study’s variables and their characteristics will determine which graph is selected.

Variables in a Bar graph

• A bar graph is frequently used in experiments where the dependent variable is categorical and the independent variable is categorical.
• Every bar symbolizes a category of the independent variable, and the dependent variable’s corresponding values are represented by the bar’s height.

For better understanding, consider this:

Bar Graph for Dependent and Independent Variable

This bar graph shows:

• Independent Variable (IV) Categories on the horizontal X-axis
• Values of the Dependent Variable (DV) on the Y-axis (vertical)
• For every category of the independent variable, the average or total value of the dependent variable is displayed by each bar.
• When comparing the effects of various categories on the dependent variable, this kind of graph is helpful.

Temporal Relationship Line Graph

• A line graph can be used when the independent variable represents time or a series of events.

For better understanding, consider this,

Line Graph for Dependent and Independent Variable

This line graph shows

• Time or sequential events (independent variable) are plotted on the horizontal X-axis which is an Independent variable
• Values of Velocity which is a Dependent Variable (DV) is on the Y-axis (vertical)
• A line graph makes it easier to see how the dependent variable varies over time or as a function of the events that follow.
• In order to help researchers interpret and communicate their findings, these graphical representations offer a visual insight into the patterns and trends between the dependent and independent variables.

Dependent vs Independent Variables

The difference between Dependent and Independent Variables is tabulated below:

Difference Between Dependent and Independent Variable
Aspect	Dependent Variable	Independent Variable
Definition	Variable that depends on another for its value.	A variable that is adjusted or modified.
Role	Responds to changes in the relevant variable.	Alters or influences the dependent variable.
Symbol	Frequently shown in equations as y.	Frequently shown in equations as x.
Example	Plant growth is the dependent variable in a study on the impact of fertilizer.	The amount of fertilizer applied is the independent variable when examining how fertilizer affects plant growth.
Control	Typically, the researcher has less control over it.	It can be manipulated or controlled by the researcher.
Position of Axes in Graphs	Displayed on a y-axis plot.	Displayed using the x-axis.
Purpose in Equations	Finding its relationship to the independent variable is frequently the aim.	Examining the effect on the dependent variable is frequently the aim.

Dependent and Independent Variables – Solved Examples

In the following solved examples, we have identified the Dependent and Independent Variable.

Example 1: Does the amount of sunlight a plant receives affect its growth?

Solution:

Independent Variable: Amount of sunlight

Dependent Variable: Plant growth

Example 2: How does the temperature of water impact the time it takes for an ice cube to melt?

Solution:

Independent Variable: Water temperature

Dependent Variable: Time taken for ice cube to melt

Example 3: Investigate the relationship between hours of study and exam scores.

Solution:

Independent Variable: Hours of study

Dependent Variable: Exam scores

Dependent and Independent Variables – Practice Questions

Find the Independent and Dependent Variables in following Examples

Q1. Can the type of exercise affect heart rate?

Q2. How does the concentration of a cleaning solution influence stain removal?

Q3. Explore the connection between sleep duration and cognitive performance.

Dependent and Independent Variable – FAQs

What is a Dependent and Independent Variable in Research?

In scientific the independent variable is the one which is manipulated or changed, that cause a change in the other variable, which we measure is called Dependent Variable

What is the difference between Dependent and Independent Variables?

The main difference between dependent and independent variable is that independent variable is the one you control or manipulate, while the dependent variable is the outcome you measure in response to changes in the independent variable.

How to Find Dependent and Independent Variables?

Identify what is being changed or manipulated in the experiment (independent variable) and what is being measured or observed as a result of those changes (dependent variable).

Describe a Variable using an Example.

A variable is the term whose value changes. Let’s take an algebraic statement, 4x + 5 = 19, where x is the variable and 4 is its coefficient. These are the constants: 5 and 19.

What is an Example of Dependent and Independent Variable?

“The performance of workout enhances after intake of caffiene” In this statement intake of caffiene is independent variable while “ehancement of workout performance” is dependent variable

What is Dependent, Independent and Cost Variable?

Independent Variable is the one which is manipulated, dependent variable is the one in which changes are observed while constant variable are the ones which stays same