Independent and Dependent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

An 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

A dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment, which is affected by the independent variable.

Front

In a scatter plot, what does a non-linear association indicate?

Back

A non-linear association indicates that the relationship between the independent and dependent variables does not follow a straight line.

Front

How does the size of a fish tank relate to fish growth?

Back

The size of the fish tank is the independent variable, and how large the fish will grow is the dependent variable.

Front

In the question, 'Does the flavor of ice cream affect how fast the ice cream melts?', what is the independent variable?

Back

The independent variable is the flavor of ice cream.

Front

In the question, 'How does watching TV during studying affect a student’s test grades?', what is the dependent variable?

Back

The dependent variable is the student’s test grades.

Front

What is the relationship between eating breakfast and a student’s performance in school?

Back

Eating breakfast is the independent variable, and the student’s performance in school is the dependent variable.

Front

What does it mean if a scatter plot shows a positive association?

Back

A positive association means that as one variable increases, the other variable also increases.

Front

What does it mean if a scatter plot shows a negative association?

Back

A negative association means that as one variable increases, the other variable decreases.

Front

Can an independent variable be something that is not changed in an experiment?

Back

No, an independent variable must be changed or manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.