Independent and 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, responding to changes in the independent variable.

Front

In the equation s = p, which variable is independent?

Back

p = papers completed (independent variable)

Front

In the equation s = p, which variable is dependent?

Back

s = stickers earned (dependent variable)

Front

What does the x-axis represent in a graph?

Back

The x-axis represents the independent variable.

Front

What does the y-axis represent in a graph?

Back

The y-axis represents the dependent variable.

Front

If the height of a plant depends on the amount of sunlight, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of sunlight.

Front

If the height of a ball bounce depends on the height from which it is dropped, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The height that the ball bounces.

Front

How can you identify the independent variable in a study?

Back

The independent variable is usually the one that is manipulated or changed by the researcher.

Front

How can you identify the dependent variable in a study?

Back

The dependent variable is usually the one that is observed or measured to see how it is affected by the independent variable.