Dependent and Independent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

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

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

A dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment, which is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Front

In an experiment, if you change the amount of sunlight a plant receives, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of sunlight.

Front

In an experiment, if you measure how tall a plant grows based on different amounts of water, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The height of the plant.

Front

What is the purpose of identifying independent and dependent variables in an experiment?

Back

To understand how changes in one variable affect another, allowing for clearer conclusions.

Front

If you are testing how different fertilizers affect plant growth, what is the independent variable?

Back

The type of fertilizer used.

Front

If you are studying how temperature affects the rate of a chemical reaction, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The rate of the chemical reaction.

Front

In a study about how exercise affects heart rate, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of exercise.

Front

In a study about how studying time affects test scores, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The test scores.

Front

What is a controlled variable?

Back

A controlled variable is a factor that is kept constant to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable.