Texts: Variables
If researchers want to examine how X is impacted by Y, then X is the independent variable.
If researchers want to examine how physical health impacts mental health, then physical health is the independent variable.
If researchers want to examine the impact of sleep on stress, then sleep is the dependent variable.
If researchers want to examine how X impacts Y, then Y is the dependent variable.
If researchers want to examine how physical health is impacted by mental health, then mental health is the dependent variable.
If researchers want to examine the impact of stress on sleep, then sleep is the dependent variable.