Which of the following best describes a dependent variable in an experiment?

The dependent variable in an experiment is the factor that is changed and measured to observe how it responds to variations in another variable, known as the independent variable. This means that as the independent variable is manipulated, the dependent variable is monitored for changes, allowing researchers to assess any effects stemming from these modifications.

In scientific experiments, it’s crucial to understand that the dependent variable provides data that helps to confirm or refute a hypothesis. For example, if a scientist is testing how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth, the dependent variable would be the growth of the plants, which is measured and analyzed based on the varying sunlight conditions provided.

In contrast, the other options fail to describe the dependent variable accurately: maintaining constants throughout the experiment pertains to control variables, establishing initial conditions refers to the experimental setup, and influences on the independent variable relate more to the interactions within the experimental design rather than the measurement aspect of the dependent variable. Understanding the roles of each type of variable is essential to conducting a coherent and valid scientific study.