Independent and Dependent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

The independent variable is the one factor that a scientist changes during an experiment.

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

The dependent variable is the variable that is measured in an experiment.

Front

In Cindy's plant experiment, what was the independent variable?

Back

The independent variable was whether the plant was placed in sunlight or under a box.

Front

In Cindy's plant experiment, what was the dependent variable?

Back

The dependent variable was the growth of the plant.

Front

What is a controlled variable?

Back

A controlled variable is a factor that is kept constant throughout an experiment to ensure that the results are valid.

Front

Why is it important to have controlled variables in an experiment?

Back

Controlled variables are important because they help ensure that the results are due to the independent variable and not other factors.

Front

What is the purpose of an experiment?

Back

The purpose of an experiment is to test a hypothesis by manipulating an independent variable and measuring its effect on a dependent variable.

Front

How can you identify the independent variable in an experiment?

Back

The independent variable can be identified as the factor that is changed or controlled by the experimenter.

Front

How can you identify the dependent variable in an experiment?

Back

The dependent variable can be identified as the factor that is observed or measured in response to changes in the independent variable.

Front

What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

Back

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