Which of the following best describes independent and dependent variables?

Independent variables are variables that researchers manipulate or change in an experiment to observe their effect on other variables. This manipulation allows researchers to explore cause-and-effect relationships within their study. In contrast, dependent variables are what researchers measure or observe in the experiment. They rely on the changes made to the independent variables. Thus, the essence of an experiment lies in recognizing that changes in the independent variable will lead to changes in the dependent variable, which is precisely what option C articulates.

The correct choice captures this fundamental relationship in scientific research, emphasizing that the independent variable is the active agent in the experiment while the dependent variable reflects the outcome or effects of those manipulations. This understanding is crucial for designing experiments and interpreting results accurately.