Identifying Variables
Variables are the factors in a experiment that change or potentially change. There are two types of variables independent and dependent, these variables can also be viewed as the cause and effect of an experiment.
Independent Variables
A independent variable is the variable that the experimenter purposes changes or manipulates. The independent variable is the cause, input, or what is being done during the experiment.
Dependent Variables
A dependent variable is the variable that changes in response to the changes in the independent variable. The dependent variable is the effect, output, or what happens during the experiment.
Application of Independent and Dependent Variables
Here are some practice problems to check for understanding of independent and dependent variables. Read the problems and identify the independent and dependent variable in each.
Answers:
- The higher the temperature of the water, the faster the egg will boil.
- The score on the final test depends on the number of skills attained.
- Students of different age groups were asked to put the same jigsaw puzzle together, they were timed to see how long it took.
Answers:
- Independent=temperature Dependent=Egg
- Independent=Skills Dependent=Score
- Independent= Age group Dependent= the time it took to put the puzzle together