Which term describes the outcome factor that occurs as a result of something else?

• A. Independent Variable
• B. Dependent Variable
• C. Confounding Variable
• D. Moderator Variable

Answer: (B)

The outcome variable is the factor that occurs as a result of something else. In research, you deliberately change or control one factor (the independent variable) and then observe another factor to see how it responds—that observed factor is the dependent variable. For example, changing a treatment dose (independent variable) and measuring patient response (dependent variable) shows how the outcome depends on the treatment level. The dependent variable depends on the manipulation and is what you analyze to determine the effect. A confounding variable would be an extra factor that can distort that relationship, a moderator variable changes the strength or direction of the relationship but is not the outcome itself, and the independent variable is the factor you actively vary.