Independent vs Dependent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

The independent variable is the variable that can be changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

The dependent variable is the variable that is measured or tested in an experiment. It changes in response to the independent variable.

Front

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

Back

The independent variable is plotted on the x-axis.

Front

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

Back

The dependent variable is plotted on the y-axis.

Front

Can the independent variable be anything?

Back

Yes, the independent variable can be whatever we want it to be, as long as it is controlled in the experiment.

Front

How does the dependent variable change?

Back

The dependent variable changes based on the manipulation of the independent variable.

Front

If you change the amount of sunlight a plant receives, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of sunlight is the independent variable.

Front

If you measure the height of a plant after changing the sunlight, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The height of the plant is the dependent variable.

Front

In an experiment, if you are testing how different fertilizers affect plant growth, what is the independent variable?

Back

The type of fertilizer used is the independent variable.

Front

In the same experiment, what would be the dependent variable?

Back

The growth of the plants, measured in height or number of leaves, is the dependent variable.