Identifying Independent and Dependent Variable in Experiments

Part I. Identify the dependent and independent variable and propose a testable hypothesis.

INDEPENDENT ● The factor controlled(or changed) by the experimenter.

VARIABLE ● This might be described as the change made by the experimenter on purpose.
(IV) ● It is sometimes called the manipulated variable.

DEPENDENT ● The factor (or result) which changes because of what the experimenter does.
VARIABLE ● The dependent variable is the change that occurs because of what the
(DV) experimenter does; it gets changed by the dependent variable.
● It is sometimes called the responding variable.
● It is usually measured in some manner.

TESTABLE ● The hypothesis is often written using the words "IF" and "THEN." For example, "If I
HYPOTHESIS do not study, then I will fail the test."
● The "if' and "then" statements reflect your independent and dependent variables.
The “If” is always followed by the independent variable with description while the
“then” is always followed by the dependent variable with description.
● The hypothesis should relate back to your original question and must be
testable.

Example: You are investigating how soil type influences bean stem growth. In your investigation
a. Independent variable (the variable that you are controlling) is: types of soil used.
b. Dependent variable (the results) would be: the growth of bean stems.
c. Hypothesis: If the organic content in the soil (description of soil type) increases then the growth of bean
stems will increase .

1. Is plant growth affected by the color of light (red, blue, green or yellow) in which it grows?
a. Independent variable: color of light (red, blue, green or yellow)
b. Dependent variable: plant growth
c. Hypothesis: If the color of light used is blue, then plant growth will be increased.

2. Which laundry detergent (tide, cheer, gain) removes stains more effectively?
a. Independent variable: type of laundry detergent(tide, cheer, gain)
b. Dependent variable:stain removal
c. Hypothesis: If the type of laundry used is tide, then stain removal will be increased.

3. Does the type of oil (corn, olive, or sunflower) affect the size of popcorn?
a. Independent variable: type of oil corn
b. Dependent variable: Size of popcorn
c. Hypothesis: If corn oil is used, then the size of popcorn will be increased

4. Which type of paper towel (bounty, handi wipe, safeway) is more absorbent?
a. Independent variable: type of paper towel (bounty, handi wipe, safeway)
b. Dependent variable: absorbent amount
c. Hypothesis: If the type of paper towel is Safeway, then more liquid will be
absorbed.

5. Which size battery has the longest life span?

 a. Independent variable: Size of battery
b. Dependent variable: length of life
c. Hypothesis: If a larger size battery is used, then the battery will live longer.
6. Which paint with different plastic contents resists weathering more effectively?
a. Independent variable: amount of paint plastic content
b. Dependent variable: resistance to weathering
c. Hypothesis: If a greater amount of plastic content of paint is used, then weathering resistance will increase.

7. Do different types of music affect student math accuracy?

a. Independent variable: Type of music (classical country, heavy metal, pop, Rnb)
b. Dependent variable math accuracy
c. Hypothesis: If classical music is used, then students will have increased math accuracy

8. How do different amounts of salts affect the melting point of ice?

a. Independent variable:
b. Dependent variable:
c. Hypothesis:

9. Which type of cola has the highest concentration of sugar?

a. Independent variable:
b. Dependent variable:
c. Hypothesis: