Types of Variables

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What is a variable in an experiment?

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A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types in an experiment.

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What is an independent variable?

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The independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled by the scientist 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 observed in an experiment, and it responds to changes in the independent variable.

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What is a controlled variable?

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

Front

How do you identify the independent variable in an experiment?

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The independent variable is identified by asking what the scientist is changing or manipulating in the experiment.

Front

How do you identify the dependent variable in an experiment?

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The dependent variable is identified by asking what the scientist is measuring or observing as a result of the changes made.

Front

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

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The control group serves as a baseline to compare the effects of the independent variable, ensuring that the results are due to the variable being tested.

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What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

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The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable, which is measured.

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Can there be more than one independent variable in an experiment?

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No, to maintain clarity and validity, an experiment should only test one independent variable at a time.

Front

What is an example of an independent variable?

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In a plant growth experiment, the amount of sunlight each plant receives is an independent variable.