Independent/Dependent variables

dependent variable example

Dependent variables are considered to be functions of the independent variables, changing only as the independent variable does.

example

If a scientist conducts an experiment to test the theory that a vitamin could extend a person's life-expectancy, then the independent variable is the amount of vitamin that is given to the subjects within the experiment. This is controlled by the experimenting scientist. The dependent variable, or the variable being affected by the independent variable in this case, is life span.

Independent variable example

Independent variables are the variables that are changed in a given model or equation. One can also think of them as the 'input' which is then modified by the model to change the 'output' or dependent variable.

example

Time Spent Studying) causes a change in (Test Score) and it isn't possible that (Test Score) could cause a change in (Time Spent Studying). We see that "Time Spent Studying" must be the independent variable and "Test Score" must be the dependent variable because the sentence doesn't make sense the other way around.

dependent variable

a variable that often depends on one another

independent variable

a variable whose variation does not depend on that of another.

variable

able to be changed or adapted

control

the power to influence or direct, the activity of managing or exerting control over something