Independent & Dependent Variables

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 23, 2017

In a study in which you are going to compare 2 or more groups ... the independent variable is the one that forms your groups. For example, if you are going to administer a survey and compare how boys answered compared to girls, the "gender" would be your independent variable. If you are going to compare whether treatment A or treatment B is more effective, then the independent variable is the treatment: you'll have Group A and Group B.

The dependent variable is the characteristic (or result) that you are going to look at (measure) to see if the comparison groups are the same or different from each other. For example, if people who get treatment A tend to get better and the people who got treatment B all died ... then your dependent variable was the outcome of their treatment (rate of success of the treatment tested). Treatment A would have a high rate of success and treatment B would have a low rate of success. The dependent variable would be the outcome -- your measurement of the rate of success of each treatment. The patients' likelihood of improvement depends on which treatment they receive.

Based on your phrasing, I would say the risk of a serious asthma event is your dependent variable -- the risk of it happening, however that would be measured.

I hope that helps.

direw0lf, BSN · Aug 25, 2017

Research can be confusing! I agreed with IIg's answer but I had a "cheat" way that might help you figure out it easier.

I always remembered the IV and DV this way: DV is what is being changed/effected/the outcome (may be no change at all), and IV is the variable that's influencing the DV/outcome. And sometimes when trying to figure out the DV it helps to figure out everything else.

So this is my cheat way:

You will learn about PICOT format which is this-

P = stands for population.

I = intervention (the IV)

C = comparison to intervention (if applicable)

O = outcome (measurable) (the DV)

So in your study "randomized, double-blind study evaluation the risk of serious asthma-related events during treatment with a certain medication compared to another medication in adult and adolescent pts with asthma" write out the PICO:

P = adult and adolescents with asthma

I = treatment during serious asthma related events with a certain medication. This is the IV!

C = compared to the other medication

O = outcome.... will show improvement/no benefit/worse outcome in asthma related mortality? Your study should state the outcome they hope to have. This is the DV!

So in your study, medication is the IV. Your DV is asthma related events.

Make sure you have a clear PICO question, because I think that's where you might be having trouble.

ccambiano_1991 · Sep 6, 2017

Thanks so much, your responses were very helpful! I believe i can somewhat pick them out now. Lol