Independent versus dependent variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

An independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

A dependent variable is the variable that is measured and affected in an experiment, depending on the independent variable.

Front

In the experiment, if you change the amount of sunlight (independent variable), what might you measure?

Back

You might measure the growth of the plants (dependent variable).

Front

Identify the independent variable: The number of hours studied (h) and the test score (s).

Back

h (the number of hours studied is the independent variable).

Front

Identify the dependent variable: The amount of water (w) given to plants and their height (h).

Back

h (the height of the plants is the dependent variable).

Front

In a study, if you increase the temperature (independent variable), what is a possible dependent variable?

Back

The rate of a chemical reaction (dependent variable).

Front

What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

Back

The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Front

Identify the independent variable: The number of pages read (p) and the time taken (t).

Back

p (the number of pages read is the independent variable).

Front

Identify the dependent variable: The speed of a car (s) and the amount of fuel used (f).

Back

f (the amount of fuel used is the dependent variable).

Front

In an experiment, if you change the amount of fertilizer (independent variable), what might you measure?

Back

You might measure the yield of crops (dependent variable).