In science, there are two common types of variables, independent and dependent variables.
There is a relationship between variables.
A concept that commonly causes confusion among individuals is the difference between dependent and independent variables.
You are seeing what kind of reactions occur when you change something in your experiment.
What is a Variable?
A variable is anything that can be changed in an experiment. There are a wide range of variables, but a few examples of variables include,
- Time Period
- Object
- Idea
- Event
Dependent Variables
Dependent variables in science are the variables that are being measured, or tested, in an experiment. They are observed and recorded during the experiment.
These variables are not changed by the experimenter, but by the independent variable if there is correlation between the two variables.
For example, we could conduct a scientific experiment on health in individuals. Health levels would be the dependent variable in the experiment because it can change based on multiple factors.
The dependent variable is the ‘effect’ in a cause and effect relationship.
Independent Variables
Independent variables in science are the variables that you manipulate or change. It is controlled by the experimenter.
We can use plant growth as an example. If you’re performing an experiment on plant growth, an independent variable could be the amount of water you give the plant.
If an independent variable changes, then an effect is seen in the dependent variable. In other words, the independent variable is the ‘cause’ in a cause and effect relationship.
Control Variables
Besides independent and dependent variables, there are also controlled variables. Controlled variables are constant and unchanged throughout the entire experiment.
Referring back to the example of a scientific experiment on plant growth, the temperature could be a controlled variable as long as it stays consistent throughout the experiment.
A rule of thumb for remembering the difference between the variables is that dependent variables are ‘dependent’ on the independent variable.
US Science Press has created a science blog all about scientific discovery and information. You can read more on our blog today.
There’s certainly a lot to learn about this issue.
I really like all the points you’ve made.
As the admin of this web page is working, no doubt very quickly it will be
famous, due to its quality contents.
A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment.
I do think that you should write more on this topic, it may not be a taboo
matter but generally people don’t speak about such topics.
To the next! Best wishes!!