Identifying 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 one factor that is changed or manipulated in an experiment to observe its effects.

Front

What is a dependent variable?

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The dependent variable is the factor that is measured or tested in an experiment, which is affected by the independent variable.

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What is a constant in an experiment?

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A constant is a factor that remains the same throughout the experiment to ensure that the test results are valid.

Front

What is the purpose of a control variable?

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Control variables are kept constant to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable.

Front

How do you identify the independent variable in a question?

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Look for the factor that is being changed or tested in the experiment.

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How do you identify the dependent variable in a question?

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Look for the factor that is being measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable.

Front

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.

Front

Why is it important to have constants in an experiment?

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Constants ensure that the experiment is fair and that the results are due to the independent variable alone.

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What is an example of an independent variable?

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In an experiment testing the effect of sunlight on plant growth, the amount of sunlight is the independent variable.