Which variable is typically measured as the outcome in an experiment?

• A. Independent variable
• B. Dependent variable
• C. Control variable
• D. Randomization factor

Answer: (B)

The outcome you measure in an experiment is the dependent variable. It’s the result you record to see how it changes in response to the treatment or condition you introduce. For example, if you’re testing how different amounts of fertilizer affect plant growth, the plant height (or biomass) is the dependent variable because you measure it to determine the effect of the fertilizer. The factor you deliberately change to test its impact is the independent variable. Variables you keep the same across all groups are control variables, used to prevent other factors from influencing the outcome. A randomization factor isn’t the outcome you assess; instead, randomization is a method used to assign subjects to groups to reduce bias.