Dependent Variables

As you design the experiment, you choose the independent (manipulated) variable that you are testing.  The factor that changes in response to the independent variable is called the DEPENDENT VARIABLE (or responding variable)

For example, from the previous Salt Water Hypothesis (on the Independent Variable link) the response to the Salt Water vs. No Salt Water would be listed as follows:

Dependent Variable:  The amount of time it takes for the salt water to freeze.