A(n) ________ variable is a factor researchers try to predict or the outcome they are interested in studying.

A) dependent
B) mediating
C) extraneous
D) independent

The dependent variable is the outcome or factor that researchers are interested in predicting or studying. The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated to see its effect on the dependent variable. Mediating variables are those that explain the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, and extraneous variables are those that are not directly related to the study but may affect the results.