Dependent variable (DV)

Definition

In sociological research, the dependent variable is the outcome or effect that researchers are interested in explaining or predicting. It changes in response to alterations in another variable, known as the independent variable.

Related terms

Independent Variable:

A factor or condition that is intentionally varied by researchers to observe its impact on the dependent variable.

Correlation:

A statistical measure that describes the extent to which two variables change together, but does not necessarily imply causation.

Operational Definition: The specific way in which a concept of interest is measured or manipulated as a variable in a study