How do I remember the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable?

An independent variable refers to what is changed during an experiment, whereas a dependent variable refers to what is measured. In an experiment, we manipulate the independent variable to see if it has a significant effect on the dependent variable, meaning cause and effect can be established.One way to remember the difference is to literally consider the independent variable as being 'independent', because it is the only thing that changes, as everything else in the experiment is controlled.