6.6A Independent and Dependent Variable

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What is an independent variable?

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

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What is a dependent variable?

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A dependent variable is the variable that is measured and affected in an experiment. It depends on the independent variable.

Front

How do you identify the independent variable in an experiment?

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The independent variable is usually the one that is manipulated or changed by the experimenter.

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How do you identify the dependent variable in an experiment?

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The dependent variable is what you measure in the experiment and what is affected during the experiment.

Front

Give an example of an independent variable in a plant growth experiment.

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The amount of sunlight the plants receive.

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Give an example of a dependent variable in a plant growth experiment.

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The height of the plants after a certain period.

Front

What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

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The independent variable affects the dependent variable; changes in the independent variable lead to changes in the dependent variable.

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In a study measuring the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth, what is the independent variable?

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The type of fertilizer used.

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In a study measuring the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth, what is the dependent variable?

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The growth of the plants, often measured in height or biomass.

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Why is it important to control variables in an experiment?

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Controlling variables ensures that the experiment is fair and that the results are due to the independent variable only.