A variable is part of an experiment that can change, such as amount of light, temperature, humidity, time changes, or plant growth.

In an experiment, an independent variable is a variable that either changes on its own (for example time), or you purposely change it (for example the amount of water).

The goal of an experimental investigation is to determine how changes in an independent variable affects another variable, which is called the dependent variable.

Scientists use an experiment to search for cause and effect relationships in nature. In other words, they design an experiment so that changes to one item cause something else to vary in a predictable way.

These changing quantities are called variables. A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. An experiment usually has three kinds of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled.

The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist. To ensure a fair test, a good experiment has only one independent variable. As the scientist changes the independent variable, he or she observes what happens.

The scientist focuses his or her observations on the dependent variable to see how it responds to the change made to the independent variable. The new value of the dependent variable is caused by and depends on the value of the independent variable.

For example, if you open a faucet (the independent variable), the quantity of water flowing (dependent variable) changes in response--you observe that the water flow increases. The number of dependent variables in an experiment varies, but there is often more than one.

Experiments also have controlled variables. Controlled variables are quantities that a scientist wants to remain constant, and he must observe them as carefully as the dependent variables. For example, if we want to measure how much water flow increases when we open a faucet, it is important to make sure that the water pressure (the controlled variable) is held constant. That's because both the water pressure and the opening of a faucet have an impact on how much water flows. If we change both of them at the same time, we can't be sure how much of the change in water flow is because of the faucet opening and how much because of the water pressure. In other words, it would not be a fair test. Most experiments have more than one controlled variable. Some people refer to controlled variables as "constant variables."

In a good experiment, the scientist must be able to measure the values for each variable. Weight or mass is an example of a variable that is very easy to measure. However, imagine trying to do an experiment where one of the variables is love. There is no such thing as a "love-meter." You might have a belief that someone is in love, but you cannot really be sure, and you would probably have friends that don't agree with you. So, love is not measurable in a scientific sense; therefore, it would be a poor variable to use in an experiment.

For each of the following problem statements, identify the IV and DV, Then write a hypothesis. Remember the following format:

If…(IV goes here), Then…(DV goes here), Because…

Example: 1. How does studying with music affect student test scores?

IV: Studying with or without music  
DV: The test scores of the students
Hypothesis: If students studying with music their test scores will increase because music helps students focus and remember materials

Remember to say increase or decrease NOT just "change"

Identify the IV, DV, and write a hypothesis for the following questions.