In many experiments, the independent variable is a construct that can only be manipulated indirectly.

Is the dependent variable measured or manipulated?

A variable is what is measured or manipulated in an experiment. ... A dependent variable is what you measure in the experiment and what is affected during the experiment. The dependent variable responds to the independent variable. It is called dependent because it "depends" on the independent variable.

What variables Cannot be manipulated?

Such studies are extremely common, and there are several points worth making about them. First, nonmanipulated independent variables are usually participant variables (private body consciousness, hypochondriasis, self-esteem, and so on), and as such they are by definition between-subjects factors.