Which statement correctly defines a dependent variable?

A dependent variable is defined as a measurable outcome that is used to assess the effect of the independent variable in an experiment. In experimental research, researchers change or manipulate one or more independent variables to observe the changes that occur in the dependent variable. This relationship allows scientists to determine the effect of the independent variable on the outcome being measured.

For instance, if a researcher is studying the impact of different amounts of sunlight on plant growth, the amount of plant growth (measured in height or biomass) is the dependent variable. It is called "dependent" because its value depends on the variations of the independent variable (sunlight exposure).

The other statements describe different types of variables. Some refer to independent variables, which are manipulated, while others refer to constants that remain unchanged throughout the experiment. Understanding the role of dependent variables is crucial for designing experiments and analyzing data, making the correct definition essential in scientific research and environmental management studies.