What are dependent and independent variables?

The correct response highlights the fundamental roles of independent and dependent variables in research and experimentation. Independent variables are those that researchers manipulate or change in order to observe how they affect other variables. This manipulation is essential for establishing cause-and-effect relationships. For example, if you're studying how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth, the amount of sunlight is the independent variable.

Dependent variables, on the other hand, are the ones that researchers measure to determine the effect of the independent variable. In the above example, the growth of the plants is the dependent variable, as it depends on the amount of sunlight they receive. This clear distinction allows researchers to analyze how changes in the independent variable lead to variations in the dependent variable, thereby drawing conclusions from their findings.

The other options do not accurately describe the relationships between these variables. Some confuse the roles or misstate their definitions, which can lead to misunderstandings in the context of experimental design and data analysis.