In an experiment, manipulation of a variable begins with which action?

In an experimental research context, manipulation of a variable fundamentally begins with identifying the values to be examined. This step is crucial because it establishes the specific conditions under which the experiment will take place. Researchers need to determine what aspects of the independent variable they will manipulate to observe potential changes in the dependent variable.

Identifying the values may involve selecting different conditions or levels of the independent variable, such as different doses of a drug, various teaching methods, or differing environmental settings. This foundational step helps ensure that the experiment is structured in a way that can effectively test the hypotheses and generate meaningful results.

Following this initial identification, other actions may come into play, such as developing outcome measures or controlling for confounding variables, but the manipulation itself must start with a clear understanding of what specific values will be investigated. This process of delineation sets the stage for the experimental design and ultimately the analysis of the outcomes.