What is a Dependent Variable?
Summary: 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].
Example 1
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.
Problem 1
What is the dependent variable in the following function? Briefly explain your choice.
Y = 3X + Z - 5
Solution 1
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
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Last edited by Lekulana Kolobe on Feb 22, 2006 6:36 am US/Central.