Fill in the Blanks Types of VariablesOnline version Chapter 3 terminology focuses heavily on types of variables. With so many, it can be pretty confusing. Try this quiz to help! by Rachel Frans 1 The variable that comes first and influences or predicts is called the variable . The second variable - - the one that is affected or predicted by the independent variable - - is the variable . A variable is one that varies systematically with the independent variable due to the nature of the research design and may , as a result , differentially affect the dependent variable . An variable affects the dependent variable but is either unknown or not Controlled by the researcher . This can include conditions , events , features , or occurrences that target a specific group . variables are a type of independent variable , typically used in experiments , that alters the strength and / or direction of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables . variables help explain how or why an intervention causes a change in the dependent variable . A variable can theoretically take on an infinite number of values within a given range of scores . A variable is used to assign an object or person to a group that is defined by having specific characteristics .