Scientific Variables

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

The variable that you measure in an experiment; it responds to changes in the independent variable.

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

The variable that you change or control in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Front

True or False: An experiment can have more than one independent variable.

Back

False.

Front

What is the purpose of a control variable in an experiment?

Back

To keep other factors constant so that the effect of the independent variable can be isolated.

Front

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

Back

The growth of the plants.

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

What is a control group?

Back

A group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment and is used for comparison.

Front

If you are testing how temperature affects the rate of a chemical reaction, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The rate of the chemical reaction.

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 about how study time affects test scores, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of study time.