In statistics what is the difference between independent variable and dependent variable?

Answer by  alz (2329)

The dependent variable depends on the independent variable. For example, if you're measuring change in weight over time, time would be the independent variable because it is not influenced by the weight of the object. The weight, however, depends on how much time has elapsed. On a graph, the independent goes on the x axis and dependent on y.

Answer by  vvvvvvvv (140)

An independent variable is the one that remains unchanged in the experiment. The dependent variable changes according to the independent variable.