What is the term for the variable that is believed to cause changes in another variable?

The term that refers to the variable believed to cause changes in another variable is the independent variable. In research, the independent variable is the one that researchers manipulate or change to observe its effects on another variable, which is known as the dependent variable.

This relationship is fundamental in experimental design, where the independent variable is presumed to influence or predict changes in the dependent variable. For example, in a study analyzing the impact of a specific intervention on client outcomes, the intervention would be the independent variable, while the outcomes measured would be the dependent variable.

Understanding the distinction between these types of variables is crucial for designing effective research studies. It allows researchers to isolate the effects of the independent variable, thereby establishing causal relationships rather than mere correlations. This approach underpins much of social science research, where identifying what drives change is key to developing interventions and policies.