ACT Preparation / Unit 20 ACT 1906 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Independent and Dependent Variables
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The idea
The independent variable is the factor the researcher changes on purpose; the dependent variable is the result measured in response. Statistics books call them explanatory and response variables.
In practice
In a study of light color and bean height, color is independent and height is dependent.
Where people slip
The independent variable is set before a trial; the dependent variable is read after it.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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