Independent and Dependent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

The independent variable is the factor that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

The dependent variable is the factor that is measured in an experiment. It is the outcome that is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Front

In an experiment, what is the purpose of a controlled variable?

Back

Controlled variables are factors that are kept constant to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable only.

Front

What is an example of an independent variable in a plant growth experiment?

Back

The amount of sunlight each plant receives.

Front

What is an example of a dependent variable in a plant growth experiment?

Back

The height or growth of the plants.

Front

If a scientist is testing how different fertilizers affect plant growth, what is the independent variable?

Back

The type of fertilizer used.

Front

If a scientist is testing how different fertilizers affect plant growth, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The growth of the plants.

Front

Why is it important to have a control group in an experiment?

Back

A control group provides a baseline to compare the effects of the independent variable.

Front

What does it mean to measure a variable in an experiment?

Back

Measuring a variable means to collect data on it to see how it changes in response to the independent variable.

Front

In the helicopter experiment, what was the independent variable?

Back

The wing length of the helicopters.