Identifying Dependent and Independent Variables (Example)

The video tutorial explains how to identify dependent and independent variables using examples. It first uses the height of a candle and the time it is lit to illustrate that the candle's height depends on the time it burns. Then, it uses the time spent studying and test scores to show that study time affects test performance. The tutorial concludes with a rule of thumb that time is often an independent variable.

In the candle example, which variable is considered dependent?

• The color of the candle

• The height of the candle

• The type of wax used

• The room temperature

What determines the height of the candle in the given example?

• The initial height of the candle

• The type of wick used

• The duration the candle is lit

• The color of the candle

In the study time example, what is the independent variable?

• The difficulty of the test

• The time spent studying

• The number of questions on the test

• The student's age

Which factor is said to influence the test score in the study time example?

• The time spent studying

• The student's handwriting

• The classroom environment

• The type of test

According to the rule of thumb mentioned, what is usually considered an independent variable?

• Time

• Temperature

• Color

• Height