What is a defining characteristic of a dependent variable?

A defining characteristic of a dependent variable is that it is measured to assess the outcomes of an experiment. In research, the dependent variable is what researchers observe and measure to understand the effect of the independent variable, which is the factor being manipulated or changed. By assessing the dependent variable, researchers can see how it responds to variations in the independent variable, allowing for conclusions about the relationships between different variables.

For instance, when studying the impact of a new teaching method (the independent variable) on student test scores (the dependent variable), the researcher focuses on measuring the test scores to determine the effectiveness of the new method. This process of measurement is crucial as it provides the necessary data for analysis and interpretation within the study. Hence, the correct identification of the dependent variable as the one measured highlights its role in evaluating the outcomes of the experiment.