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Understanding Variables in Experiments

A variable is any factor that can change in a scientific investigation or experiment, including independent, dependent, and controlled variables. The independent variable is intentionally changed, the dependent variable is measured as a result, and controlled variables remain constant. Examples of experiments are provided to illustrate how to identify these variables.

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9 views15 pages

Understanding Variables in Experiments

A variable is any factor that can change in a scientific investigation or experiment, including independent, dependent, and controlled variables. The independent variable is intentionally changed, the dependent variable is measured as a result, and controlled variables remain constant. Examples of experiments are provided to illustrate how to identify these variables.

Uploaded by

qiremalabute29
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

What is a Variable?

DEFINITION

Variable – Any factor that


can change in a scientific
investigation or
experiment
Types of Variables
Independent Variable
(also called the manipulated variable)

The condition that is intentionally


changed by the investigator in an
experiment
There can be only one independent
variable in an experiment
Types of Variables
Dependent Variable
(also called the responding variable)
 The factors or conditions that will change
as a result of the independent variable
 The factors that you measure or observe as
data
 There can be one or more dependent
variables in an experiment
Types of Variables
Controlled Variables

The factors or conditions that are


kept the same (unchanged) in an
experiment.
There are many controlled variables
in an experiment
Practice

Identify variables for the


following experiments.

You can do it!


Testable Question #1

• Does changing the temperature


of a ball affect the height the
ball will bounce?
Cold Hot
Identify Variables #1
Manipulated
Cold Hot
Variable
• Does changing the temperature
of a ball affect the height the ball
will bounce?
Responding
Variable
Identify Variables #1

• Controlled Variables:
* Same ball
* Dropped from the same height
* Dropped onto the same surface
* etc…
Testable Question #2
• Does changing the color of light
affect the growth rate of plants?
Identify Variables #2
Manipulated
Variable
• Does changing the color of light
affect the growth rate of plants?

Responding
Variable
Identify Variables #2
• Controlled Variables:
* Same type / size of plant
* Same wattage of bulb
* Same amount of water
* Same soil
* Light on for the same amount of
time
* etc…
Testable Question #3

• How does the size of a parachute


affect the time it takes a
hippo to fall 10 feet?
Identify Variables #3
Manipulated
Variable
• How does the size of a parachute
affect the time it takes a hippo to
fall 10 feet?
Responding
Variable
Identify Variables #3
• Controlled Variables:
* Same hippo
* Dropped from the same height
* Same parachute fabric
* Same length of strings on the parachute
* etc…

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