Independent and Dependent Variables

Front

Independent variable

Back

An amount that can stand on its own.

Front

Dependent variable

Back

A variable that depends on or is changed by another variable.

Front

What is the role of the independent variable in an experiment?

Back

It is the variable that is changed or controlled to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Front

What is the role of the dependent variable in an experiment?

Back

It is the variable that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable.

Front

On which axis is the independent variable plotted on a graph?

Back

x-axis.

Front

On which axis is the dependent variable plotted on a graph?

Back

y-axis.

Front

Example of an independent variable in a study about plant growth.

Back

Amount of sunlight each plant receives.

Front

Example of a dependent variable in a study about plant growth.

Back

Height of the plants.

Front

What does it mean if a variable is 'controlled'?

Back

It means that the variable is kept constant to ensure a fair test.

Front

In a table showing the relationship between hours studied and test scores, which is the independent variable?

Back

Hours studied.