Dependent and Independent 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. It depends on the independent variable.

Front

In the experiment, if the amount of sunlight affects plant growth, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of sunlight.

Front

In the experiment, if the amount of water affects the height of a plant, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The height of the plant.

Front

How does watching TV during studying affect a student’s test grades?

Back

The student’s test grades are the dependent variable.

Front

Identify the independent variable: The number of hamburgers sold and the dollar amount of sales.

Back

The number of hamburgers sold.

Front

Identify the independent variable: The pages in a book and the weight of the book.

Back

The pages in a book.

Front

In an experiment measuring how different sounds affect reaction time, what is the independent variable?

Back

Different sounds.

Front

In Sarah's birthday treat example, which variable is independent?

Back

The number of students.

Front

What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

Back

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