Variables in an Experiment

Which is NOT a step in the scientific method?

• Make observation
• Form a theory
• Collect data
• Form a hypothesis

An educated guess or possible answer to a question 

• data
• theory
• hypothesis
• fact

The parts of an experiment that can be changed. 

• variables
• data
• hypothesis
• steps

In a proper experiment, how many variables should be changed at a time? 

• one
• none
• two or more
• how ever many makes sense.

This group does NOT get the change to the independent variable.  This is the group that is not actually experimented on and is used as a comparison to "normal". 

• experimental group
• control group
• data
• variables

This variable in an experiment is the one being deliberately changed by the scientist. Think of it as the cause of change in the experiment.

• dependent variable
• independent variable
• data
• control group

This variable is the data that is collected during the experiment. It is what is measured. If the independent variable is the cause, this is the effect.

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• control group

• data group

An experiment is performed on plants to see how different liquids affect plant growth. Each plant in the experiment is given a different liquid; water, apple juice, or milk. Each plant is in the same type of pot and has the same amount of soil and sunlight. What is the independent variable?

• The type of plant
• The amount of sunlight
• The type of pot the plant is in
• The type of liquid the plant gets

An experiment is performed on plants to see how different liquids affect plant growth. Each plant in the experiment is given a different liquid; water, apple juice, or milk. Each plant is in the same type of pot and has the same amount of soil and sunlight. What is the dependent variable?

• The growth of the plant
• Water, apple juice, milk
• Amount of sunlight
• Type of plant

A student wants to test the effects of type of exercise on heart rate.  She measures her pulse while she is resting, standing, walking and running.  What is the dependent variable?

• heart rate
• type of exercise
• amount of exercise
• time of day exercise occurs