A dependent variable is a variable that changes as a result of the manipulation of another variable, known as the independent variable. In mathematical modeling, statistical modeling, and experimental sciences, dependent variables are studied under the assumption that they depend, by some law or rule, on the values of other variables. In an experiment, the dependent variable is the variable whose variation is being studied by altering inputs, also known as regressors in a statistical context. Dependent variables are also called response variables, outcome variables, or left-hand-side variables. In contrast, independent variables are not seen as depending on any other variable in the scope of the experiment in question. They are the variables that are manipulated or varied in an experimental study to explore their effects. Independent variables are also called explanatory variables, predictor variables, or right-hand-side variables.