Independent/Dependent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

The independent variable is the one that is deliberately changed or manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect.

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

The dependent variable is the one that changes in response to the independent variable. It is what is measured in the experiment.

Front

What is a control variable?

Back

Control variables are the factors that are kept constant throughout an experiment to ensure that the results are valid.

Front

In an experiment, which variable is affected by the independent variable?

Back

The dependent variable.

Front

If a scientist is testing how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of sunlight.

Front

If a scientist is testing how different amounts of fertilizer affect plant growth, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The growth of the plants.

Front

Why is it important to have control variables in an experiment?

Back

Control variables are important to ensure that the experiment is fair and that the results are due to the independent variable only.

Front

What is an example of a control variable in a plant growth experiment?

Back

The type of plant used, the amount of water given, and the type of soil.

Front

What does it mean to manipulate a variable in an experiment?

Back

To manipulate a variable means to change it intentionally to observe the effects on another variable.

Front

In Mr. S.'s experiment, what is the independent variable when testing how mass affects distance rolled?

Back

The mass of the ball.