Which variable in an experiment responds to changes in the independent variable?

The dependent variable is the factor in an experiment that is observed and measured to assess the effect of changes made to the independent variable. When you manipulate the independent variable to see how it affects the outcome, it is the dependent variable that reacts to those changes. For instance, if you were studying the impact of light on plant growth, the amount of growth (measured in height or biomass) would be the dependent variable, as it changes in response to the varying levels of light exposure, which is the independent variable.

The other terms describe different roles in an experiment. The independent variable is what the experimenter changes to observe its effect. Control variables are factors that are kept constant to ensure that the experiment is fair and that any effects observed are due to the independent variable alone. Constant variables are similar to control variables in that they remain unchanged throughout the experiment. These roles are crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of the experimental process.