Independent variables (IV)

Definition

In the context of sociological research, an independent variable is a factor or condition that is intentionally manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on a dependent variable. It is the presumed cause in a cause-and-effect relationship within a study.

Related terms

Dependent Variable:

A dependent variable is the outcome or effect that researchers measure in an experiment, which they believe may be influenced by changes in the independent variable.

Control Group: This is a group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment and is used as a benchmark to measure how other tested subjects do.

Causality: Causality refers to the relationship between cause and effect, where one event (the cause) directly results in another event (the effect)