What is the dependent variable in a research study?

In a research study, the dependent variable is the element that researchers measure to assess the effect of manipulation. It is dependent on the independent variable, which is the one manipulated or changed in the experiment. The dependent variable provides data that reflects how changes in the independent variable affect participants' responses or outcomes. For instance, if a study is conducted to see how different types of therapy impact anxiety levels, the anxiety levels measured after the therapy sessions would be the dependent variable.

This understanding is vital because it allows researchers to draw conclusions about relationships and effects observed between variables. The other concepts described in the other choices, such as manipulation or control of variables, relate to the experimental design and do not define what the dependent variable is.