Independent and Dependent Variables in Experiments

What is an independent variable in a scientific experiment?

• The variable being tested.

• The variable that changes under the influence of another variable.

• The variable that is controlled throughout the experiment and not affected by any other variable.

• The outcome that is measured.

An experiment investigates how different amounts of fertilizer affect the growth of a plant. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

• The height of the plant.

• The amount of fertilizer.

• The type of plant.

• The duration of the experiment.

Which statement best describes a dependent variable?

• The variable that is controlled by the experimenter.

• The variable that is not affected by any other variable.

• The variable being tested, which depends on other factors.

• The variable that causes a change in another variable.

How are independent and dependent variables related in terms of cause and effect?

• The dependent variable causes a change in the independent variable.

• The independent variable is the effect, and the dependent variable is the cause.

• The independent variable is the cause, and the dependent variable is the effect.

• There is no direct cause-and-effect relationship between them.