Independent Variables (IV)
-are the one over which the researcher has control and the ones that are manipulated in accordance with the purpose of the investigation.
In some research studies, the IV is simply a classifying variable; it classifies the individuals under study. For example, consider an investigation in which three different training methods are studied in terms of their effects upon technical skills learned. Training method would be the IV and three training methods would be considered levels of the IV.
Dependent variables (DV)
-are (or presumed to be) the consequent of the IV(s).
It is the variable affected by the IV. As the IV is changed or varied, the researcher observes the changes in the DV in order to determine how they are related to or associated with the changes in the IV. In the above example, technical skills learned would be the DV.
