What is meant by 'variable' in an experimental setting?

In an experimental setting, the term 'variable' refers to a factor that can change or be manipulated in order to observe its effects on other factors. This means that a variable can vary in different amounts and types, influencing the outcome of the experiment. For instance, if you're studying the effect of different amounts of sunlight on plant growth, the amount of sunlight is a variable because it can change.

Understanding variables is crucial for conducting experiments, as they allow researchers to establish relationships between different elements. In contrast, a fixed parameter that does not change is not considered a variable, as it remains constant throughout the experiment. The results obtained from an experiment refer to the outcomes stemming from the manipulation of these variables, and control measures are used to ensure that the experiment tests the intended variable without interference from other factors. Hence, recognizing that a variable is inherently tied to change is fundamental to grasping experimental design and analysis in behavioral health assessments and other research fields.