What defines a dependent variable in research?

A dependent variable is fundamentally defined as the variable that researchers aim to study and is influenced by other conditions or variables within the context of an experiment. In simpler terms, it is the outcome or response that is measured to assess the effects of changes made to other variables, typically known as independent variables.

For example, if a researcher is investigating how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth, the growth of the plants (often measured in height, size, or health) is the dependent variable. The independent variable in this scenario would be the amount of sunlight the plants receive, which the researcher can manipulate.

This definition highlights the relationship between variables in an experimental setting, making option C the most accurate choice for defining a dependent variable. The other options describe characteristics that either do not align with the role of a dependent variable or relate to independent variables and constants rather than the nature of dependent variables in research methodology.