Name: ____________ Grade level & Sec.
: ___________ Date: ______________
These exercises are designed to help students understand and identify different types of variables
in research. They can be printed and copied for individual or group work in a classroom setting.
Exercise 1: Variable Sort Challenge
Instructions: Read each variable example below. Determine its primary classification based on
what you've learned about variables (Numeric, Categorical, Independent, Dependent, Control, or
Extraneous). Write the name of the variable under the correct category in the table provided.
Variables to Sort:
Age
Gender
Temperature
Marital Status
Amount of Light
Plant Growth
Water Level
Fertilizer Level
IQ Level
Medical Treatment Used
Hours Worked
Earnings
Soil Type (uncontrolled)
Type of Exercise
Mood
Your Answers:
Numeric Categorical Independent Dependent Control Extraneous
Variables Variables Variables Variables Variables Variables
Exercise 2: Scenario Identifier
Instructions: Read each research scenario carefully. For each scenario, identify and write down
the:
Independent Variable (IV): The variable that is changed or manipulated by the
researcher.
Dependent Variable (DV): The variable that is measured and is expected to change as a
result of the IV.
Control Variable(s) (CV): The variables that are kept constant to ensure a fair test.
Scenario 1: A scientist is studying how the concentration of a new chemical affects the growth
rate of bacteria. All experiments are conducted at a constant temperature and humidity.
Independent Variable (IV):
____________________________________________________
Dependent Variable (DV):
____________________________________________________
Control Variable(s) (CV):
____________________________________________________
Scenario 2: A teacher wants to know if using interactive whiteboards improves student test
scores. One class uses the whiteboard daily, while another uses traditional chalkboards. Both
classes have the same curriculum and teacher.
Independent Variable (IV):
____________________________________________________
Dependent Variable (DV):
____________________________________________________
Control Variable(s) (CV):
____________________________________________________
Scenario 3: Researchers are investigating if a new diet pill causes weight loss. Participants are
randomly assigned to receive either the pill or a placebo. All participants maintain their regular
exercise routine throughout the study.
Independent Variable (IV):
____________________________________________________
Dependent Variable (DV):
____________________________________________________
Control Variable(s) (CV):
____________________________________________________
Scenario 4: An agronomist is testing how different types of fertilizer impact corn yield. All corn
plots receive the same amount of water and sunlight.
Independent Variable (IV):
____________________________________________________
Dependent Variable (DV):
____________________________________________________
Control Variable(s) (CV):
____________________________________________________
Answer Key (For Teacher/Self-Correction)
Exercise 1: Variable Sort Challenge - Answer Key
Numeric Categorical Independent Dependent Control Extraneous
Variables Variables Variables Variables Variables Variables
Soil Type
Age Gender Amount of Light Plant Growth Water Level
(uncontrolled)
Fertilizer
Temperature Marital Status Hours Worked Earnings
Level
Medical
IQ Level Type of Exercise Mood
Treatment Used
Exercise 2: Scenario Identifier - Answer Key
Scenario 1:
Independent Variable (IV): Concentration of new chemical
Dependent Variable (DV): Growth rate of bacteria
Control Variable(s) (CV): Constant temperature, Constant humidity
Scenario 2:
Independent Variable (IV): Use of interactive whiteboards
Dependent Variable (DV): Student test scores
Control Variable(s) (CV): Same curriculum, Same teacher
Scenario 3:
Independent Variable (IV): New diet pill (or placebo)
Dependent Variable (DV): Weight loss
Control Variable(s) (CV): Regular exercise routine
Scenario 4:
Independent Variable (IV): Types of fertilizer
Dependent Variable (DV): Corn yield
Control Variable(s) (CV): Same amount of water, Same amount of sunlight