Which term describes the outcome variable in an experiment?

The term that describes the outcome variable in an experiment is defined as the dependent variable. In any experimental setup, researchers manipulate one or more independent variables to observe the effect on the dependent variable. The dependent variable is what you measure in the experiment and is expected to change as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable.

For example, if you were studying the effect of different amounts of sunlight on plant growth, the amount of growth observed (measured by height, number of leaves, etc.) would be the dependent variable. Understanding this relationship between variables is crucial for establishing causal relationships in scientific research.

Control variables are other factors that are kept constant to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable alone, while the independent variable is the one that is changed intentionally by the researcher to test its effect. The term experimental variable isn't commonly used in this context and may lead to confusion, as it is less specific than dependent and independent variables.