Participants in an experimental research study listen to a lecture either in a lecture hall filled with natural light or in a lecture hall with no windows and artificial light. Before leaving the lecture halls, the participants fill out a mood survey. What is the independent variable in this study?

The type of light in the rooms.

Explanation:

In order to find the relation between two variables it has to be observed that one variable changes because of the change in the other variable.

The variable which changes with respect to the other variable is called the dependent variable.

The variable which changes irrespective of the other variable is called the independent variable.

Here, it is being studied what type of light in the room affects the mood of the participants. Hence, the type of light in the rooms whether light or dark is the independent variable while the mood is the dependent variable.