Dependent v. Independent Variables What’s the difference?

What is a Variable? Simply, something that varies. Variables represent things that can be manipulated, controlled, or measured for the sake of research. 4th period starts

Examples of Variables Recently, I decided to bake a cake. Since I didn’t have a recipe, I decided to make one up. Variables that may have played a part in my resulting disaster could include: Not enough sugar Too much flour Forgot to add baking soda Baked too long Is a dozen eggs too many for 1 cake? Others??

Independent Variables Scientists manipulate these variables as they see fit. They still vary, but the variation is relatively known or taken into account.

Independent Variables Data table: Left side Graph: X axis Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Dependent Variables Not manipulated by the person conducting the experiment directly. These vary in relation to the independent variables Always measured.

Dependent Variables Data table: Right side Graph: Y axis Independent Variable Dependent Variable Period 2

Independent V. Dependent Intentionally manipulated Value is known Vary at known rate Cause Data table: Left side Graph: X axis Not manipulated by scientist directly Measured Vary at unknown rate Effect Data table: Right side Graph: Y axis

Example: What variables affect a student’s arrival to class? Type of School Liberals Arts v. University Type of Student Athlete? Gender? GPA? Time Bedtime, Waking, Arrival Mode of Transportation Period 5