in research what is the independent variable
A variable is anything that can vary, i.e. changed or be changed, such as memory, attention, time taken to perform a task, etc. Variable are given a special name that only applies to experimental investigations. One is called the dependent variable and the other the independent variable. In an experiment, the researcher is looking for the possible effect on the dependent variable that might be caused by changing the independent variable. â¢ Independent variable (IV) : Variable the experimenter manipulates (i.e. changes) â assumed to have a direct effect on the dependent variable.