Research Paper & Case Study Analysis
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Subtopic 1 / 2
1. Identifying Variables in Experiments
Every experiment starts with a question about cause and effect. The independent variable is what researchers deliberately change. The dependent variable is what they measure afterward.
A common mistake is confusing the measurement with the cause. Ask yourself: what did the researchers manipulate, and what result did they observe?
Worked example
A university tests whether sleep improves memory. Students sleep 8 hours or 5 hours. The independent variable is sleep duration. The dependent variable is memory score measured after the test.
1.The dependent variable is the outcome measured by researchers.
2.The independent variable is always the result being measured.
3.A control group helps compare results against a normal condition.
Exam strategy
Focus on understanding underlying concepts — exam questions test application, not memorization.
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