dependent variable

dependent variable

[di′pen·dənt ′ver·ē·ə·bəl]

(mathematics)

If y is a function of x, that is, if the function assigns a single value of y to each value of x, then y is the dependent variable.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

dependent variable

the measure of the effect of the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE. Thus, in an experiment, or in data analysis, the independent variable (for example, number of years in school) is manipulated, or otherwise controlled, and the effect of this manipulation is seen by the change in the dependent variable (for example, reading proficiency). See also EXPERIMENTAL METHOD.

Collins Dictionary of Sociology, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2000