In the context of experiments, what is the term for the outcome variable?

The term for the outcome variable in the context of experiments is the dependent variable. This variable is directly affected by changes in the independent variable, which is manipulated by the experimenter. The dependent variable demonstrates the effect of these manipulations and is what researchers observe and measure to draw conclusions from the experiment.

In experimental design, understanding the dependent variable is crucial because it provides the primary data needed to assess whether a hypothesis is supported or rejected based on the results obtained. The clarity in identifying the dependent variable allows researchers to focus their analysis on how different conditions or treatments impact this outcome.

In contrast, the other terms represent different concepts. Control variables are constants in an experiment that are kept unchanged to prevent them from influencing the outcome. Confounding variables are extraneous factors that may affect the dependent variable, potentially leading to erroneous conclusions. The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable. Thus, recognizing the role of the dependent variable is essential for conducting and interpreting experiments effectively.