In the context of AP Psychology, which of the following best defines a dependent variable in an experiment?

• A. The variable that is manipulated by the researcher
• B. A variable that remains constant throughout the experiment
• C. The variable that is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable
• D. A variable that is not included in the hypothesis

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of variables in an experiment. In psychology, experiments typically involve at least two types of variables: independent and dependent variables.
2. Step 2: Identify the independent variable as the one that the researcher manipulates or changes to observe its effect.
3. Step 3: Recognize that the dependent variable is the one that is measured or observed to assess the impact of changes in the independent variable.
4. Step 4: Note that variables that remain constant throughout the experiment are called control variables, and they are not the dependent variable.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the dependent variable is best defined as the variable that is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.