Independent and Dependent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

An independent variable is the factor that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

A dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment, which is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Front

In an experiment, if you change the amount of sunlight a plant receives, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of sunlight the plant receives.

Front

In an experiment measuring how temperature affects the rate of a chemical reaction, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The rate of the chemical reaction.

Front

If you are testing how different fertilizers affect plant growth, what is the independent variable?

Back

The type of fertilizer used.

Front

What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

Back

The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Front

In a study on how study time affects test scores, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The test scores.

Front

If a scientist is investigating how the height of a ramp affects the speed of a marble, what is the independent variable?

Back

The height of the ramp.

Front

What does it mean if a variable is controlled in an experiment?

Back

A controlled variable is kept constant to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the manipulation of the independent variable.

Front

In an experiment, if the amount of water given to plants is varied, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The growth of the plants.