Question

Independent and dependent variable

How are these similar and different?

Answer 1

In a certain experiment, the independent, or the explanatory variable is the one whose value is controlled by the user; ie. it does not depend on the values that the other variables take in the experiment, and in some way or other, impacts the changes in values of other variables in the process.

Whereas, in an experiment, the dependent, or the response variable is the one, whoe value is impacted by other variables in the process; ie. it is, in some way, a function of some other explanatory or independent variable.

(1) Similarities between independent and dependent variable:

..... Both of them are variables, in nature, and both are parts of the experiment.

..... Both the dependent and independent variables are usually of the same type in an experiment. If one of them is discrete, so is the other one. If one of them is continuous, so is the other one.

(2) Differences between independent and dependent variables:

...... One independent variable may impact the values of more than one dependent variable. On the contrary, for more than one dependent variable, there is always one independent variable.

......The value of independent variable can be changed as per requirements, while we cannot change the value of dependent variable.

....... Dependent variable depends upon independent or explanatory variable, as when independent variable will change, there must be a change in the value of dependent variable. But, there is no impact vice versa.

....... The value of independent variable is that value which is manipulated in an experiment, whereas the dependent variable is observed.