What is the dependent variable in a research study?

In research studies, the dependent variable represents the outcome that researchers measure to assess the effect of an intervention. It is the behavior or response that is being examined to determine if there is a change as a result of manipulating the independent variable (the intervention). In the context of applied behavior analysis, this could be a specific behavior exhibited by a participant that is quantified through direct observation or data collection methods.

The dependent variable highlights the impact of the intervention and is crucial for drawing conclusions from the study. Understanding the dependent variable is essential because it allows researchers to identify whether the changes made during the experiment had the desired effect on the participants' behavior. Thus, identifying the behavior that is being measured and affected by the intervention is foundational for interpreting the results and implications of the study.