independent variable
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variable
[var´e-ah-b'l]something that changes; an attribute or property of a person, event, or object that is known to vary in a given study.
dependent variable in a mathematical equation or relationship between two or more variables, a variable whose value depends on those of others; it represents a response, behavior, or outcome that the researcher wishes to predict or explain.
extraneous variable a factor that is not itself under study but affects the measurement of the study variables or the examination of their relationships.
independent variable in a mathematical equation or relationship between two or more variables, any variable whose value determines that of others; it represents the treatment or experimental variable that is manipulated by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
in·de·pen·dent var·i·a·ble
a characteristic being measured or observed that is hypothesized to influence another event or manifestation (the dependent variable) within a defined area of relationships under study; that is, the independent variable is not influenced by the event or manifestation, but may cause it or contribute to its variation. See: dependent variable.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
in·de·pen·dent var·i·a·ble
(in'dĕ-pen'dĕnt var'ē-ă-bĕl)statistics A variable that is manipulated by the researcher and measured by the effect it has on the dependent variable or variables.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
in·de·pen·dent var·i·a·ble
(in'dĕ-pen'dĕnt var'ē-ă-bĕl)Characteristic being measured or observed that is hypothesized to influence another event or manifestation within a defined area of relationships under study.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012