Dependent variable

The dependent variable (DV) is what is being measured in a study. The value of the dependent variable is "controlled" by the value of the independent variable.

ANOVAs have only one dependent variable, while MANOVAs have more than one DV.

AKA: outcome, response variable, controlled variable, the prediction, the effect, criterion variable

Example:

If one were to measure the influence of different quantities of fertilizer on plant growth, the independent variable would be the amount of fertilizer used (the changing factor of the experiment). The dependent variable would be the growth in height and/or mass of the plant (the characteristics of the subjects that are influenced in the experiment).

In a study of how different doses of a drug affect the severity of symptoms, a researcher could compare the frequency and intensity of symptoms (the dependent variables) when different doses (the independent variable) are administered, and attempt to draw a conclusion.