Scientific Variables

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

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

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

The 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 controlled variable (constant)?

Back

A controlled variable is a factor that is kept constant throughout an experiment to ensure that the results are valid.

Front

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

Back

The amount of sunlight.

Front

In an experiment, if you measure how tall a plant grows, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The height of the plant.

Front

If you are testing different types of containers to see which keeps a sandwich coldest, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The temperature of the sandwich.

Front

If you are studying how music affects heart rate, what is the independent variable?

Back

The type of music.

Front

What is the purpose of keeping controlled variables constant in an experiment?

Back

To ensure that the experiment tests only the effects of the independent variable.

Front

If you are testing how different amounts of stain remover affect stain removal, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of stain remover used.

Front

In an experiment about plant growth, if you keep the type of plant the same, what type of variable is this?

Back

Controlled variable (constant).