What is a Dependent Variable? 1.1 2006/02/21 10:38:47.126 US/Central 2006/02/22 06:36:57.988 US/Central Lekulana Emmanuel Kolobe klekulana@hotmail.com Lekulana Emmanuel Kolobe klekulana@hotmail.com Dependent Variable Independent Variable This module introduces a dependent variable and gives examples of such variables. A dependent variable is a variable dependent on another variable: the independent variable. In simple terms, the independent variable is said to cause an apparent change in, or simply affect, the dependent variable [Wikipedia2006D]. 1. In a study of how different dosages of a drug are related to the severity of symptoms of a disease, a measure of the severity of the symptoms of the disease is a dependent variable and the administration of the drug in specified doses is the independent variable. [Wikipedia2006D] 2. In a call centre, the number of customers serviced per hour, depends on the number of agents, and average service time per customer. In this case number of customers is a dependent variable, entirely dependent on the other two independent variables namely agents, and average service time. What is the dependent variable in the following function? Briefly explain your choice. Y = 3X + Z - 5 The dependent variable is Y. This is because the value of Y depends on both the values of X and Z changing. References: Wikipedia2006D. "Dependent Variable," http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dependent_variable, Last Accessed on 20 February 2006 Author of Assignment 3: Lekulana Kolobe Author of Assignment 1: Arnold Mwesigye