Variables in Science Investigations Variable - Any factors that can be controlled, changed, or measured in an experiment
.
.
3 types of Variables in an Investigation
Independent Variable - The variable that has been intentionally changed to determine if it
Impacts the dependent variable. Different ways to think about this variable include the
manipulated variable, the cause, and the comparison.
Dependent Variable - The variable that changes in response to the change in the Independent
Variable. Other ways to think about this variable include the measurement taken in the
experiment, the responding variable, and the effect.
Controlled Variables - these variables remain constant and should be controlled". In an
experiment you intentionally manipulate one variable, the independent variable, and measure
the response, the dependent variable. EVERYTHING ELSE MUST REMAIN THE EXACT SAME. If
not you can't really tell what is impacting the dependent variable.
Research Questions - Every investigation starts with a research question. The research question is a
question, not a statement, and it contains the independent and dependent variable. The research
question either reflects a comparison or it reflects a cause/effect relationship.
Which TV show is preferred by teenagers during the 8 pm time slot?
IV:
DV:
CVS: