Which term refers to the variable that a researcher measures in an experiment?

The term that refers to the variable that a researcher measures in an experiment is the dependent variable. This variable is called "dependent" because it is expected to change or respond based on manipulations made to the independent variable, which is the variable that the researcher controls or alters. In essence, the dependent variable is the outcome that the researcher is looking to observe or quantify in relation to the changes made in the independent variable.

In an experimental context, the focus is often on understanding how the manipulation of the independent variable influences the dependent variable. For instance, if a researcher is studying the effect of different amounts of sunlight on plant growth, the amount of plant growth—measured in height, number of leaves, etc.—is the dependent variable, as it depends on the independent variable (the amount of sunlight).

Other options, while relevant in the context of experiments, do not define the variable being measured. The independent variable is the one that is manipulated, extraneous variables are those that may affect the dependent variable but are not of primary interest in the experiment, and control variables are factors that are kept constant to ensure that the results are attributed solely to the independent variable.