Which of the following best describes an independent variable

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To begin evaluating the question, recall the core concept: an independent variable is the variable that the researcher deliberately changes or controls in an experiment to observe its effect on other variables.
Option 1 states: 'It is the ‘effect’.' This is incorrect because the effect is what you measure, i.e., the dependent variable, not the variable you manipulate.
Option 2 states: 'It is the ‘experimental or treatment’ variable.' This aligns with the standard definition: the independent variable is the experimental or treatment variable that the researcher varied to test its influence.
Option 3 states: 'It could influence other variables but is not included.' This is misleading; while the independent variable may influence other variables, the phrase 'but is not included' contradicts its role as the variable you actively set in the study design.
Option 4 states: 'All of the above.' Since the first two options are not both correct (the first is incorrect, and the third is mischaracterized), this option cannot be true.
In summary, the independent variable is precisely what the experimenter manipulates (the treatment or experimental condition) to examine its effects, not the outcome (effect) or something left out of the analysis.

HLTH2001-Research Healthcare Practices, T3 2025

Which of the following best describes an independent variable

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