In a multi-factorial design, what term refers to an independent variable?

In a multi-factorial design, what term refers to an independent variable?

• A. Factor
• B. Dependent variable
• C. Confounding variable
• D. Covariate

Answer: (A)

In a factorial design, the variables you actively manipulate are called factors. These are the independent variables, and each factor can have different levels (for example, two doses or two treatment types). The outcome you measure is the dependent variable. A confounding variable is an extraneous factor that can bias results if it’s related to the manipulated factors, and you try to control or randomize it away. A covariate is a variable you measure and statistically account for to reduce noise, but you don’t manipulate it as a factor. So the independent variable in a multi-factorial design is best described as a factor.

In a factorial design, the variables you actively manipulate are called factors. These are the independent variables, and each factor can have different levels (for example, two doses or two treatment types). The outcome you measure is the dependent variable. A confounding variable is an extraneous factor that can bias results if it’s related to the manipulated factors, and you try to control or randomize it away. A covariate is a variable you measure and statistically account for to reduce noise, but you don’t manipulate it as a factor. So the independent variable in a multi-factorial design is best described as a factor.