Identifying Variables

A scientist investigates whether the type of music played during study sessions affects students' retention of information. What is the independent variable?

• Type of music

• Students' retention of information

• Duration of study sessions

• Type of study material

Researchers are studying if the temperature of water influences the dissolving speed of sugar. What is the dependent variable?

• Temperature of water

• Dissolving speed of sugar

• Amount of sugar

• Type of sugar

Scientists test whether the concentration of salt in water affects its boiling point. What is the independent variable?

• Concentration of salt in water

• Boiling point of water

• Volume of water

• Type of salt

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

A researcher wants to know if the color of paper affects the amount of heat it absorbs from sunlight. What is the dependent variable?

• Color of paper

• Amount of heat absorbed

• Thickness of paper

• Duration of sunlight exposure

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

A team tests whether the pH level of water affects the lifespan of freshwater fish. What is the independent variable?

• pH level of water

• Lifespan of fish

• Species of fish

• Temperature of water

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Researchers examine if the amount of light exposure affects the vitamin C content in oranges. The dependent variable is (a)  

• Amount of light exposure
• Vitamin C content
• Type of oranges
• Growth rate of oranges

A scientist is studying the effect of various fertilizers on the height of corn plants, using the same watering schedule and amount of each fertilizer applied. What are the constant variables?

• Type of fertilizer

• Height of corn plants

• Watering schedule

• Amount of fertilizer used

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Researchers are investigating if the frequency of watering influences the growth of cactus plants.

Match the following variables with their descriptions.

• Constant

• Growth of cactus plants

• Dependent variable

• Type of cactus

• Independent variable

• Frequency of watering

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

A study is conducted to find out if the age of a tree affects the number of leaves it produces. What is the dependent variable?

• Age of tree

• Number of leaves produced

• Type of tree

• Amount of sunlight

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Scientists test whether different amounts of vitamin D affect bone density in adults. The independent variable is (a)  

• Bone density
• Age of participants
• Amount of vitamin D
• Gender of participants