Word Origin and History for attenuate Expand v. to make thin, to make less, 1520s, from Latin attenuatus enfeebled, weak, past participle of attenuare to make thin, lessen, diminish, from ad-to (see ad-) + tenuare make thin, from tenuis thin (see tenet).
Dependent Variable Definition: A dependent variable is the variable being tested in a scientific experiment. The dependent variable is 'dependent' on the independent variable. As the experimenter changes the independent variable, the change in the dependent variable is observed and recorded.
Independent Variable Definition: The âthingâ that is used to predict the effect on the dependent variable. As the researcher changes this thing he or she observes what happens to the dependent variable. Example: In a study to determine the effect IQ has on SAT scores, the independent variable is IQ.efinition: Changes in the independent variable caused the changes in the dependent variable. Example: The change in weight as measured by the bathroom scale is due to a change in eating habits and exercise since the last time you stepped on the scale and not due to using a different scale.