What is referred to as a variable that is measured in an experiment?

In the context of an experiment, the variable that is measured is known as the dependent variable. This variable is the primary focus of the study and represents the outcome that researchers are interested in observing, based on changes made to other variables. When researchers manipulate an independent variable—the factor they study to see how it affects the dependent variable—they collect data on the dependent variable to evaluate the impact of that manipulation.

For example, if a researcher is investigating how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth, the amount of growth measured in the plants would be the dependent variable, as it's what the researcher is trying to determine as a response to changes in sunlight exposure.

The other types of variables mentioned serve different purposes in research design. The independent variable is what the researcher manipulates or changes. Confounding variables are extraneous factors that may influence the dependent variable, potentially leading to incorrect conclusions if not controlled. Extraneous variables are other variables that could affect the results but are not the primary focus of the study. Understanding the role of the dependent variable is crucial for conducting experiments and interpreting results correctly.