Dependent variable in experiment – UGC NET Question

The dependent variable is the outcome or response that researchers observe and measure to determine whether it has changed as a result of the treatment or manipulation. Its values are assumed to depend on the levels of the independent variable. By comparing the dependent variable across experimental conditions, researchers infer whether the treatment has had an effect. Since the stem mentions the variable measured to assess the effect of the treatment, it is defining the dependent variable.

Option A:
A control variable is one that the researcher holds constant or monitors to prevent it from influencing the results. It is not the primary outcome being measured for treatment effects. While control variables are important for internal validity, they are different from the variable described in the stem.

Option B:
The independent variable is the one that the researcher manipulates or varies deliberately to study its impact on another variable. It represents the presumed cause rather than the observed effect. Because the stem refers to the variable that is measured as an outcome, independent variable is not the correct answer.

Option C:
Dependent variable represents the effect or response side of the cause–effect relationship studied in experiments. Examples include test scores, reaction times or attitude ratings after exposure to different treatments. The stem’s focus on measuring the variable to assess treatment effect corresponds exactly to this concept, making dependent variable the right completion.

Option D:
An intervening variable is a hypothetical factor that helps explain how or why an independent variable affects a dependent variable, such as motivation or anxiety. It is not usually the primary variable measured to determine treatment effectiveness. Therefore, intervening variable does not fit the stem.