Which variable is manipulated in an experiment to study its effects?

In an experiment, the variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on another variable is known as the independent variable. This is the factor that researchers change or control to see how it impacts the dependent variable, which is the outcome they measure. By altering the independent variable, researchers aim to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

For example, if a study is examining how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth, the amount of sunlight is the independent variable since the researcher is intentionally changing this factor. The resulting plant growth, measured after varying sunlight exposure, would be the dependent variable. Thus, identifying and manipulating the independent variable is crucial for testing hypotheses and understanding the dynamics of the variables within the research framework.