The primary goal of experimental research is to identify the effect of the

The primary goal of experimental research is to identify the effect of the (a) Dependent variable

(b) Extraneous variable

(c) Independent variable

(d) Confounding variable

✅ Correct option: (c) Independent variable

Explanation:

Experimental research aims to determine whether manipulation of the independent variable causes changes in the dependent variable. The independent variable is deliberately controlled and manipulated by the researcher, making it the central focus of experimentation. Extraneous and confounding variables are controlled or eliminated, not studied. The dependent variable is the outcome measured. Therefore, identifying the effect of the independent variable is the core purpose of experimental research.

10 Related PPSC Facts:

Independent variable is manipulated. Dependent variable is measured. Experiments test causality. Control of variables is essential. Random assignment strengthens conclusions. Confounding variables distort results. Extraneous variables must be controlled. Manipulation precedes measurement. Experiments differ from correlational studies. Hypotheses focus on IV–DV relationship.