Variables and Testing

Variables are anything that can be changed within an experiment. There are different types of variables. Independent or Manipulated Variables. Dependent or Responding Variables. Variables

Independent Variables An independent variable is the part of the experiment that is changed by the person doing the experiment. Normally this is what is being studied. Examples: A scientist studies the impact of a drug on cancer. The drug A scientist studies the impact of withholding affection on rats. Amount of affection Independent Variables

A dependent variable is the part of an experiment that is changed by the independent variable. Examples: A scientist studies the impact of a drug on cancer. The impact A scientist studies the impact of withholding affection on rats. The reaction of the rats Dependent Variables

Constants are variables that the scientist keeps the same throughout the entire experiment. Constants are what keep the experiment valid, so you know for sure what caused the results. Constants

The control groups is a test group that does not get the changed independent variable. Instead, they are tested under normal circumstances. Examples: A scientist studies the impact of a drug on cancer. The group that did not get the drug. A scientist studies the impact of withholding affection on rats. The rats that got the normal amount of affection. Control Group

Reliable and valid experiments can be repeated and similar results will be obtained. All experiments should be repeated to ensure reliability. Reliable and Valid

Qualitative descriptions describe an object’s quality without using specific values. There are no numbers used in qualitative descriptions. Quantitative descriptions describe an object using specific values. There are numbers involved in quantitative descriptions. The fish is gold. The fish has two eyes. Types of Descriptions