In the scenario described, the independent variable is Option #1: the alkalinity of the lake water. The independent variable is the one that is manipulated or changed by the experimenter (Marcus, in this case) to observe its effect on the dependent variable, which in this case is the moss level (Option #3).
Marcus is conducting an experiment to determine how the alkalinity of lake water affects moss levels in Michigan. He randomly applies different treatments to change the alkalinity in 50 lakes. What is the independent variable in the scenario?
Option #1: the alkalinity of the lake water
Option #2: the number of lakes chosen
Option #3: the moss level
1 answer