Dependent vs Independent Variables

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

A 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

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

Front

In an experiment, if you measure how tall a plant grows based on different amounts of water, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The height of the plant.

Front

On a graph, which variable is typically plotted on the x-axis?

Back

The independent variable.

Front

On a graph, which variable is typically plotted on the y-axis?

Back

The dependent variable.

Front

If you are testing how different types of soil affect plant growth, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The growth of the plants.

Front

What does it mean to control variables in an experiment?

Back

Controlling variables means keeping all factors constant except for the independent variable to ensure a fair test.

Front

Why is it important to identify the independent and dependent variables in an experiment?

Back

Identifying these variables helps to clarify the relationship being tested and ensures accurate data collection.

Front

What is an example of a hypothesis involving independent and dependent variables?

Back

If I increase the amount of water (independent variable), then the plant will grow taller (dependent variable).