Dependent and independent variables for research methods ?

[lovebusiness]

I'm a litte confused about what a dependent variable is , could some one give an example ? Cheers !

[lolbox]

Direct from my freshly made notes

•   A variable is any condition that can change and that might affect an experiments outcome
•   There are three types of variables in an experiment; independent, dependent and extraneous
o   The IV is the variable that is manipulated, changed or varied in some way by the experimenter in order to assess its effect on the participants response. Independent variables are what generally cause differences in behaviour and results between the control and experimental groups.
o   The DV shows any effects of the independent variable. It is the aspect of a participants behaviour that is observed or measured and is expected to change as a result of the manipulation of independent variable.
   The dependant variable ‘depends on’ the IV.
o   EG – A researcher is conducting an experiment on the effects of a new drug on cancer. The IV is the drug and the DV is the effects that the drugs have.



PS - wrong board, I think this is for the end of year exams :S haha

[lovebusiness]

thank you ! helped heaps