Dependent and Independent Variables

Repeated Trials

Experimental tests done more than once.

Where is the manipulated/independent variable usually plotted?

On the X-axis of a graph

Where is the dependent/response variable usually plotted?

On the Y-axis of a graph

Testable Question

a question that can be answered by designing and conducting an experiment

Experimental Scientific Method

a set of scientific processes that scientists use to answer questions and solves problems in the world around them (cause/effect relationships)

Conclusions

a statement that describes what an experiment/investigation showed, based on observations and data

Hypothesis

an educated explaination/prediction based on information and experience

Controlled Experiment

an experiment in which ONE variable is changed and the outcome is compared to a standard (control)

Experiment

an investigation designed to find out how variables affect outcomes or results

Variable

anything that can change in an experiment that might affect the outcome

response/dependent variable

dependent variable; responds to changes in other variables in the experiment; the factor being measured in an experiment (what is observed AFTER the experiment)

response/dependent variable

factors being measured in an experiment; changes in response to the changes in the independent/manipulated variable; also known as the "response variable"

constants

factors that stay the SAME in an experiment

manipulated/independent variable

independent variable; the one factor that is changed by the person doing the experiment (what we know before the experiment)

What does a scientist do after she manipulates (changes) the manipulated (independent) variable?

observes

manipulate/independent variable

one factor changed by the person doing the experiment; "manipulated variable"

Data

pieces of information collected in an experiment/investigation

controlled variables

quantities that a scientist wants to remain the same (constant); must be observed as CAREFULLY as the response variables

constant

something that CANNOT change

Standard or Control

the basic procedure used in a controlled experiment, before changing any of the variables

X-axis

the horizontal axis on a graph (independent/manipulated variable)

Y-axis

the vertical axis on a graph (dependent/response variable)

variables

used in math and science; something that CAN be changed

Mean or Average

usual; typical; MIDDLE