Experimental Design: Identifying Variables

What is the definition of an independent variable?

• A variable that is measured or observed in an experiment.

• A variable that is manipulated or controlled by the experimenter.

• A variable that is not relevant to the experiment.

• A variable that is determined by chance.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is the definition of a dependent variable?

• A dependent variable is the variable that is manipulated in an experiment or study.

• A dependent variable is the variable being measured or observed in an experiment or study.

• A dependent variable is the variable that remains constant in an experiment or study.

• A dependent variable is the variable that is not affected by other variables in an experiment or study.

Which variable is manipulated or changed by the researcher in an experiment?

• extraneous variable

• control variable

• independent variable

• dependent variable

Which variable is measured or observed in an experiment?

• independent variable

• control variable

• extraneous variable

• dependent variable

In a study investigating the effect of temperature on plant growth, what is the independent variable?

• temperature

• light intensity

• soil pH

• water availability

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

In a study investigating the effect of temperature on plant growth, what is the dependent variable?

• amount of sunlight

• plant growth

• temperature

• soil composition

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

In an experiment, why is it important to control variables?

• To make the experiment more complicated.

• To increase the chances of getting accurate results.

• To save time and resources in the experiment.

• To isolate the specific cause-and-effect relationship being investigated.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What is the purpose of experimental design in relation to independent and dependent variables?

• To determine the statistical significance of the independent and dependent variables.

• To identify potential confounding variables that may affect the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

• To establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

• To calculate the correlation coefficient between the independent and dependent variables.

What is the definition of a control group?

• A control group is a group in an experiment that receives the same dosage of the experimental treatment or intervention.

• A control group is a group in an experiment that receives a different type of experimental treatment or intervention.

• A control group is a group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment or intervention.

• A control group is a group in an experiment that receives a higher dosage of the experimental treatment or intervention.

A student wonders if sleep [hours of sleep] affects recall memory. What is the independent variable?

• Hours of sleep

• The test subject

• Recall memory

• The type of bedding