HO - 2 - Variables

• Variables


  Factors or elements that are likely to change in an experiment
• Types of variables


  • Independent variable
  • Dependent variable
  • Control/Controlled variable
• Independent variable


  Something the experimenter purposely changes or varies over the course of the experiment
• Dependent variable


  The one that is observed and likely changes in response to the independent variable
• Control/Controlled variable


  All other variables that are kept the same all throughout the investigation
• Example 1: Plane wing position and speed

  • Independent variable: wing position
  • Dependent variable: average speed
  • Controlled variables: type/kind of plane, size, weight, materials, flying time
• Example 2: Fertilizer and mango bean growth

  • Independent variable: different types of fertilizer
  • Dependent variable: width of leaf surface area, height of stem, weight of the plant, color of leaves
  • Controlled variables: amount of fertilizer, amount of water, temperature, number of days