In experimental research, the _____ is a manipulated experimental factor and _____ is the outcome.

A) dependent variable/ independent variable
B) independent variable/ dependent variable
C) confounding variable/ independent variable
D) dependent variable/ confounding variable

The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated by the researcher, and the dependent variable is the outcome measure that is affected by the independent variable. Option A is incorrect because it reverses the roles of the independent and dependent variables. Option C is not correct because a confounding variable is an extraneous variable that affects the relationship between the independent and dependent variable. Option D is not correct because a confounding variable is not a variable that is manipulated by the researcher.