A manipulated variable is a type of variable found in experiments. It is also known as an independent variable, as it is the variable that the scientist changes on purpose or is testing. The manipulated variable is the variable that is altered to initiate a change in the value of the regulated condition. In other words, it is the variable that is changed by the researcher to see how it affects the dependent variable, which is the variable that is being measured.

In an experiment, there are generally three types of variables:

• Manipulated variable or independent variable: This is the variable that is changed by the researcher to see how it affects the dependent variable.

• Controlled variable: This is the variable that is kept constant throughout the experiment.

• Responding variable or dependent variable: This is the variable that is being measured.

Manipulated variables are used to understand the cause-effect relationships between the elements being studied. To identify and try out a manipulated variable, there has to be research or a hypothesis that backs the idea that this variable has a correlation with the dependent variable. In order for this to work, the person performing the experiment has to be able to control the input of the manipulated variable.

Examples of manipulated variables include changing the length of a lesson to see how it affects student exam performance, or changing the value of an independent variable in an experiment to analyze its effect on a dependent variable.