UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The independent variable is the factor that the researcher systematically varies or manipulates to observe its impact on the dependent variable. It is considered the presumed cause in a cause–effect relationship tested in an experiment. By changing levels of the independent variable while controlling other influences, the researcher can examine how outcomes respond. Therefore, the variable that is deliberately manipulated is rightly termed the independent variable.

Option A:
The independent variable is chosen based on theoretical expectations that it will influence the outcome of interest, such as teaching method or training programme. It is under direct control of the researcher within the experimental setting. This makes independent variable the correct completion of the stem.

Option B:
The dependent variable is the outcome or response that is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable. It is not directly manipulated but observed for changes as conditions vary. Hence, dependent variable does not match the description of the variable that is deliberately manipulated.

Option C:
A control variable is an extraneous factor that the researcher holds constant to prevent it from confounding the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Although it is regulated, it is not the variable whose different levels are being intentionally varied to test effects. Thus, control variable is not the correct answer.

Option D:
Extraneous variables are unwanted factors that may influence the dependent variable and threaten internal validity if not controlled. They are usually not intentionally manipulated but need to be minimised or accounted for. Therefore, extraneous variable cannot complete the stem accurately.

The dependent variable is the observed outcome whose values are expected to change in response to manipulation of the independent variable. It is “dependent” because its variation is presumed to be influenced by changes in the treatment conditions. Researchers measure this variable to test whether the intervention has made a difference. Hence, the variable measured to assess the treatment effect is correctly named the dependent variable.

Option A:
The independent variable is manipulated rather than measured as an outcome, so it does not align with the stem’s emphasis on measurement to assess effects. It functions as the presumed cause rather than the observed result.

Option B:
Option B, dependent variable, emphasises that this variable depends on the levels of the independent variable in the experimental design. Outcome indicators such as test scores, attitudes or performance measures are typical examples. This matches the description in the question, making this option correct.

Option C:
A moderator variable affects the strength or direction of the relation between independent and dependent variables but is not itself the main outcome being measured. It plays a more complex role and thus does not fit the stem.

Option D:
A control variable is held constant to prevent it from interfering with the interpretation of results. It is not the primary outcome of interest, so it is not the correct choice here.

The independent variable is the factor that the researcher deliberately manipulates or varies in an experiment in order to examine its impact on a dependent variable. It is considered the presumed “cause” in a cause–effect relationship. By changing its levels while controlling other variables, the researcher can test specific hypotheses about its influence. Therefore, the manipulated variable described in the stem is correctly called the independent variable.

Option A:
Option A, independent variable, captures the idea of a variable that is “independent” of changes in other variables within the experimental framework, because it is set by the researcher. Different groups or conditions receive different levels of this variable. Since the stem emphasises manipulation to observe effects, this option is appropriate.

Option B:
The dependent variable represents the outcome or response that is measured to see whether it changes as a result of the manipulation. It is not itself manipulated, so it does not fit the description.

Option C:
A control variable is kept constant across conditions to prevent it from confounding the relationship between independent and dependent variables. While important, it is not the variable being manipulated.

Option D:
Extraneous variables are uncontrolled factors that may influence the dependent variable unintentionally and threaten internal validity. They are neither intentionally manipulated nor central to the experiment’s main hypothesis, so they are not the right answer.