In statistics, a response variable is a type of dependent variable that measures the effect of the explanatory variable on the subjects in the experiment. It is the variable about which a researcher is asking a specific question. The response variable is also known as the dependent variable or the y-value in a linear equation. It is the expected effect, and it responds to explanatory variables. The response variable is the one that changes the results and is the expected effect. It is the result of the experiment where the explanatory variable is manipulated. In an experiment, the response variable definition is the measure of the response of an item in the data set to the treatment provided. The response variable might measure weight, growth, distance, etc. .