What do we call the variable that is changed in an experiment?

What do we call the variable that is changed in an experiment?

• A. Dependent variable
• B. Controlled variable
• C. Independent variable
• D. Constant variable

Answer: (C)

In the context of an experiment, the variable that is changed or manipulated by the researcher is referred to as the independent variable. This variable is intentionally altered to observe how it affects other variables, known as dependent variables. By adjusting the independent variable, scientists can determine whether and how it influences the outcomes of the experiment, which helps in establishing cause-and-effect relationships. The independent variable is crucial for experimentation since it is the foundation upon which hypotheses are tested and validated. For instance, in a study to determine the effect of different amounts of sunlight on plant growth, the amount of sunlight would be the independent variable, and the growth of the plants would be the dependent variable, as it depends on the amount of sunlight received. The other types of variables mentioned, such as dependent variables, controlled variables, and constant variables, play different roles in an experiment. The dependent variable is what is measured and observed in response to changes in the independent variable, while controlled variables are kept constant to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable can be attributed solely to the manipulation of the independent variable. Constant variables, often synonymous with controlled variables, are also maintained at fixed levels throughout the experiment to eliminate external influences.

In the context of an experiment, the variable that is changed or manipulated by the researcher is referred to as the independent variable. This variable is intentionally altered to observe how it affects other variables, known as dependent variables. By adjusting the independent variable, scientists can determine whether and how it influences the outcomes of the experiment, which helps in establishing cause-and-effect relationships.

The independent variable is crucial for experimentation since it is the foundation upon which hypotheses are tested and validated. For instance, in a study to determine the effect of different amounts of sunlight on plant growth, the amount of sunlight would be the independent variable, and the growth of the plants would be the dependent variable, as it depends on the amount of sunlight received.

The other types of variables mentioned, such as dependent variables, controlled variables, and constant variables, play different roles in an experiment. The dependent variable is what is measured and observed in response to changes in the independent variable, while controlled variables are kept constant to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable can be attributed solely to the manipulation of the independent variable. Constant variables, often synonymous with controlled variables, are also maintained at fixed levels throughout the experiment to eliminate external influences.