Independent and Dependent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

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

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

A dependent variable is the variable that is measured and affected in an experiment, responding to changes in the independent variable.

Front

In the question 'Does watching TV before bed affect how much restful sleep you get?', what is the independent variable?

Back

Watching TV before bed.

Front

In the question 'Priya streams movies through a company that charges her a $5 monthly fee plus $1.50 per movie', what is the independent variable?

Back

The number of movies she rents.

Front

On a graph, which axis represents the independent variable?

Back

The x-axis.

Front

On a graph, which axis represents the dependent variable?

Back

The y-axis.

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

Give an example of an independent variable in a study about plant growth.

Back

The amount of sunlight the plants receive.

Front

Give an example of a dependent variable in a study about plant growth.

Back

The height of the plants.

Front

What does it mean to control variables in an experiment?

Back

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