Independent and Dependent

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

• control variable

• dependent variable

• random variable

• independent variable

What is the DEPENDENT variable (effect) in this experiment?

"Does eating breakfast improve test scores?"

• eating breakfast or not

• the grade you got on the test

• what time you get up in the morning

• how tasty the breakfast is

The one factor that a scientist changes during an experiment. (It affects the results of the experiment).

• Controlled Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Independent Variable

Changes in the _________ variable causes changes in the _________ variable.

• independent; dependent

• dependent; independent

The dependent variable is responsive to the independent variable.

• True

• False

Khaleel is testing how the use of stress balls during testing affects a student's test score.  The students' average test scores who used the stress balls is the __ variable.

• dependent (measured)

• constant (same)

• independent (changes)

Please identify the independent and dependent variables in the following description of an experiment: A comprehension test was given to students after they had studied textbook material either in silence or with the television turned on.

In a study examining the effect of sleep on memory retention, what is the independent variable?

• A) Amount of sleep

• B) Memory retention

• C) Type of memory test

• D) Time of day

Which of the following best describes a dependent variable in an experiment?

• A) It is the variable that is changed or controlled

• B) It is the variable that is measured or observed

• C) It is the variable that remains constant

• D) It is the variable that is irrelevant to the study

In an experiment to test the effect of temperature on plant growth, what is the dependent variable?

• A) Type of plant

• B) Amount of sunlight

• C) Temperature

• D) Plant growth