In research, a variable that is a consequence of an antecedent variable is called this.

In research, a variable that is a consequence of an antecedent variable is called this.

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

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the variable whose value changes as a result of another variable’s influence is the dependent variable. It is the outcome researchers measure to see the effect of the antecedent variable (the one you manipulate or observe first). For example, if you vary study time to see its impact on exam scores, exam scores are the dependent variable because they depend on how long someone studied. The independent variable is the antecedent itself—the factor you deliberately vary to test its effect. A moderator changes how strong or in what direction that relationship appears, but it’s not the outcome. A mediator explains the mechanism by which the antecedent affects the outcome, not the final result itself.

The main idea is that the variable whose value changes as a result of another variable’s influence is the dependent variable. It is the outcome researchers measure to see the effect of the antecedent variable (the one you manipulate or observe first). For example, if you vary study time to see its impact on exam scores, exam scores are the dependent variable because they depend on how long someone studied.

The independent variable is the antecedent itself—the factor you deliberately vary to test its effect. A moderator changes how strong or in what direction that relationship appears, but it’s not the outcome. A mediator explains the mechanism by which the antecedent affects the outcome, not the final result itself.