Variables in Experiments: Independent or Dependent?

Front

Independent variable

Back

the variable that is deliberately changed

Front

Dependent variable

Back

the variable that will be measured

Front

Controlled variables

Back

all other variables that must be kept the same to ensure a fair test

Front

Experiment: which type of detergent works the best for removing stains?

Back

Independent variable - detergent; Dependent variable - how much of the stain is removed; Controlled variables - what type of stain; how much detergent is used; the surface the stain is on; the temperature

Front

Experiment: which fertiliser will make my plants grow best?

Back

Independent variable - type of fertiliser used; Dependent variable - which plant will grow the tallest; Controlled variables - amount of fertiliser used; type of plant used; amount of sunlight

Front

Hypothesis

Back

a testable guess as to what will happen, written as an If ... Then ... statement which contains both the independent and dependent variable

Front

Hypothesis: If the milk is hotter then the milk will go off faster

Back

Independent variable - temperature of the milk; Dependent variable - the time taken for the milk to go off

Front

Dependent variable (graph)

Back

vertical axis

Front

Independent variable (graph)

Back

horizontal axis

Front

Scientific Method

Back

a series of steps followed to solve problems including collecting data, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and stating conclusions.