Lesson 10: Identifying Variables
https://youtu.be/l0jTMDtX4WY
Variables are the factors in an 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 (What is being tested)
An independent variable is the variable that the experimenter purposely changes or
manipulates. The independent variable is the cause, input, or what is being done during the
experiment.
Dependent Variables (The data you are collecting)
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.
Control/Constant Variables (What stays the same)
A control/constant variable is the variable that is constant and unchanged throughout the course
of the investigation.
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.
1. The higher the temperature of the water, the faster the egg will boil.
a. Independent Variable (IV): Temperature
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Egg
c. Control/Constant Variable (CV): how much water, the type of egg
2. The score on the final test depends on the number of skills attained.
a. IV: Skills
b. DV: Score
c. CV: same test
3. Students of different age groups were asked to put the same jigsaw puzzle together,
they were timed to see how long it took.
a. IV: Age Group
b. DV: the time it took to put the puzzle together
c. CV: jigsaw puzzle
