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Nursing 360: Independent Variable VS Dependent Variable

Resources and tutorials for NURS 360

Definitions

In an experiment, the independent variable is the variable that is varied or manipulated by the researcher.

The dependent variable is the response that is measured.

For example:

In a study of how different doses of a drug affect the severity of symptoms, a researcher could compare the frequency and intensity of symptoms when different doses are administered.
 
Here the independent variable is the dose and the dependent variable is the frequency/intensity of symptoms.
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