Independent variable — Science definition

Defined in 3 courses:

The factor deliberately changed for the intended comparison. (Science 6: Matter, Energy & Earth Systems)
The one factor the investigator deliberately changes, such as the daily volume of water. (Life Science & Scientific Inquiry)
The factor deliberately changed in a controlled test. (Life Science: Biology)

Where it is taught

Variables, Controls & Repeated Trials — Inquiry, Measurement & Models, Science 6: Matter, Energy & Earth Systems, Grade 6
Questions, Variables & Fair Investigations — Scientific Inquiry & Diversity of Life, Life Science & Scientific Inquiry, Grade 7
Designing a Biology Investigation — Investigating the Chemistry of Life, Life Science: Biology, Grade 10

In use

The thing he deliberately changed is the independent variable — the remedy.
Questions, Variables & Fair Investigations

In a controlled experiment, deliberately vary the independent variable and measure the dependent variable.
Designing a Biology Investigation

Questions using independent variable

Problem 1

Which statement correctly uses independent variable in Variables, Controls & Repeated Trials?

Repeating a confounded test makes its causal claim valid.
independent variable: The factor deliberately changed for the intended comparison.
A control treatment automatically keeps every other condition equal.
One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.

Answer and explanation

independent variable: The factor deliberately changed for the intended comparison.

The factor deliberately changed for the intended comparison. Width and length both change. Length can affect bending, so the larger load does not isolate width. Keep length, material, support spacing, and counter placement the same, vary width, and use several fresh strips for each treatment. Compare all recorded loads under the same failure rule.

Taught alongside

Elsewhere

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