The response variable, also known as the dependent variable is the main question which the experiment wants to provide an answer for. Usually, the predictors determine or affect the response variable. In the study where Teresa investigates the effect of grade level on time spent studying, the response variable is the time spent studying, while the predictor which is the grade level provides an explanation as to the time spent studying.
The changes or variations on time spent studying depends on the grade level. This means that the grade level provides an explanation of the length of time dedicated to studying.