Variables, Groups, Observation, and Inference

The independent variable is the one thing I, the scientist will ________.

• change

• keep the same

The dependent variable is the variable we are taking _____ about.

• change

• advice

• data

• dots

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 has the same amount of soil, sunlight, and listens to the same music. In this investigation, what is the independent variable?

• Type of plant

• Type of liquid

• Growth of plant

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 has the same amount of soil, sunlight, and listens to the same music. In this investigation, what is the dependent variable?

• Type of plant

• Type of liquid

• Growth of plant

Mr. Lorence normally uses praise as a reward to train his dog. He wants to know the best way to train his dog, so he sets up an experiment to find out if there is a better way to get his dog to respond to commands. What is his dependent variable?

• Type of praise

• Type of dog

• Behavior of dog

Mr. Lorence normally uses praise as a reward to train his dog. He wants to know the best way to train his dog, so he sets up an experiment to find out if there is a better way to get his dog to respond to commands. What is his independent variable?

• Type of praise

• Type of dog

• Behavior of dog

An experiment for a new asthma medication was set up into two groups. Group one was given the new drug for asthma, while group 2 was given a candy pill. The sugar pill serves as a

• Independent variable

• Dependent variable

• Control Group

• Experimental Group

Mr. Smith uses a new spray cleaner to remove the green slime left by students on the table in his office. This is the experimental group. Identify the control group.

• Type of cleaner

• Test with the new cleaner

• Test with the old cleaner

• The green slime

Mrs. Guldberg was investing how fast it took Cameron to react to different sounds. Identify the dependent variable.

• Type of sound

• Cameron

• Amount of time it took Cameron to react

• The trumpet playing over and over

When experimenting with the growth of a plant, a scientist uses three plants of the same type, two different fertilizers, equal light, and equal water. What type of variable is the fertilizer?

• Dependent

• Independent

• Controlled