Question

multiple choice question
an independent variable ______.

• depends on the influence of another variable
• may or may not exist in the researchers hypothesis
• causes the change to another variable
• is independent of any other variables and needs to be analyzed on its own merits

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Explanation:

An independent variable is defined as the variable that is manipulated or changed in a study to observe its effect on another variable (the dependent variable). Let's analyze each option:

1. "depends on the influence of another variable" describes a dependent variable, not independent.
2. Independent variables are a core part of most research hypotheses that test causal relationships, so this is incorrect.
3. This matches the core definition of an independent variable: it is the variable that causes or predicts changes in the dependent variable.
4. While it is "independent" in the sense that it is controlled by the researcher, it is studied specifically for its relationship to other variables, not in isolation, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

causes the change to another variable