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Difference between a Hypothesis and the Dependent and Independent Variable
A hypothesis is an assumed association between two variables; the dependent and the independent. In other words, it is a theory that is yet to be proven. A hypothesis comes in the form of a prediction that will be tested. Scientific theories must also test the hypothesis to explain a particular phenomenon. An example of a research hypothesis is; too much sugar consumption causes obesity. In the example, the independent variable is sugar consumption, and the dependent is obesity. The assumed relationship can be tested using empirical data, and it takes the form of the cause-and-effect statement (Shukla, 2018). The independent variable is the cause, whereas the dependent is the effect. Therefore, variables can be defined as a thing, person, or place that a researcher intends to measure. The dependent variable, from its name, depends on other factors that the researcher is measuring and are expected to change if they are manipulated (Shukla, 2018). The independent variable stands on its own and is unaffected by other factors.
A hypothesis is utilized within research to explain the relationship between two variables based on observed data. Researchers aim at answering a research question using the hypothesis. A hypothesis prompts the researchers to think about the expected results during the experiment. Variables are used in research to determine if changes made in something will cause changes in another one (Shukla, 2018). Since every research process aims to achieve goals, it is vital to have variables tested using theories or during experiments to obtain the goals (Shukla, 2018). The experiment’s fundamental role is to measure the dependent and the independent variables hence the significance of the variables.
References
Shukla, S. (2018). Variables, Hypotheses, and Stages of Research 1. Gujarat University.