Understanding Independent and Dependent Variables in Scientific Experiments

Understanding Independent and Dependent Variables in Scientific Experiments
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In scientific experiments, there are two types of variables: the independent variable and the dependent variable. It is crucial to identify which variable is which in an experiment. An independent variable

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About Understanding Independent and Dependent Variables in Scientific Experiments

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Slide1Independent vs.Dependent variable

Slide2Variables In scientific experiments there are two kinds variables: 1) the independent variable and 2) the dependent variable  It is important to be able to identify which is which in an experiment.  What is the difference between a dependent variable and an independent variable?

Slide3Independent Variable An independent variable is exactly what it sounds like. It is a variable that stands alone and isn't changed by the other variables you are trying to measure.  For example, someone's age might be an independent variable. Other factors (such as what they eat, how much they go to school, how much television they watch) aren't going to change a person's age.

Slide4Dependent Variable Just like an independent variable, a dependent variable is exactly what it sounds like. It is something that depends on other factors

Slide5Dependent Variable For example, a test score could be a dependent variable because it could change depending on several factors such as how much you studied, how much sleep you got the night before you took the test, or even how hungry you were when you took it.

Slide6Independent Vs. DependentVariable  When you are looking for some kind of relationship between variables you are trying to see if the independent variable causes some kind of change in the other variables, or dependent variables.  Usually when you are looking for a relationship between two things you are trying to find out what makes the dependent variable change the way it does.

Slide7Independent Vs. DependentVariable  Many people have trouble remembering which is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable.   An easy way to remember is to insert the names of the two variables you are using in this sentence in they way that makes the most sense.

Slide8Independent Vs. DependentVariable  Then you can figure out which is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable: (Independent variable) causes a change in (Dependent Variable) and it isn't possible that (Dependent Variable) could cause a change in (Independent Variable).

Slide9Independent Vs. DependentVariable  For example: (Time Spent Studying) causes a change in (Test Score) and it isn't possible that (Test Score) could cause a change in (Time Spent Studying).  We see that "Time Spent Studying" must be the independent variable and "Test Score" must be the dependent variable because the sentence doesn't make sense the other way around.

Slide10Graphing Independent &Dependent Variable  When we graph it’s important to put the independent variable and the dependent variable on very specific axes.  The independent variable is always on the x-axis  The dependent variable is always on the y –axis

Slide11Graphing Independent &Dependent Variable  When we graph it’s important to put the independent variable and the dependent variable on very specific axes.  The independent variable is always on the x-axis  The dependent variable is always on the y –axis

Slide12Graphing Independent &Dependent Variable

Slide13Examples  Does water help plants grow best?  Independent Variable – type of liquid ( vinegar, water, etc)  Dependent variable – plant height (in cm)

Slide14Examples What kind of teaching helps kids learn best?  Independent Variable – type of instruction ( reading, lecture, video, lab)  Dependent variable – score on test

Slide15Examples Does the form of sugar affect how quickly it dissolves?  Independent Variable –  Form of sugar (granulated, powdered, cube)  Dependent variable –  Time to dissolve (in seconds)