Lesson 3
Dependent and independent variables
Big question
Which variable are we trying to explain?
Lesson progress
Complete checkpoints as you learn
Learning objectives
- Explain dependent and independent variables in plain language.
- Use dependent variable correctly in an interpretation.
- Connect the lesson idea to a formula, graph, Python result, or real example.
Simple explanation
The dependent variable is the outcome we want to explain. Independent variables are used to explain or predict that outcome. Naming these roles clearly is the first step in building a model.
Key terms
- Dependent variable
- The outcome variable we want to explain.
- Independent variable
- A variable used to explain variation in the dependent variable.
- Outcome
- Another name for the dependent variable.
- Predictor
- Another name for an independent variable.
Outcome and predictor
Example
If the question is whether education is related to wages, wage is the dependent variable and education is an independent variable.
Checkpoint activity
Pause and explain this lesson's main idea in your own words before moving forward.
Try it yourself
Write one plain-English sentence explaining the main idea from this lesson.
Common mistakes
Check these before you move on.
A regression coefficient describes a pattern unless the assumptions or research design support a causal interpretation.
Quick quiz
In a wage equation, if wage is what we explain, wage is the:
Key takeaway
Clearly identifying y and x keeps the model organized.