What is a variable?

The factor that is different in an experiment.

The factors that are the same in an experiment.

1 answer

A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types in an experiment. There are different types of variables in an experiment:

  1. Independent Variable: This is the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable. It is the factor that scientists manipulate.

  2. Dependent Variable: This is the variable that is measured or observed in an experiment. It's the effect or outcome that is influenced by changes in the independent variable.

  3. Controlled Variables (Constants): These are the factors that are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are solely due to the manipulation of the independent variable.

So, to clarify, the first statement "The factor that is different in an experiment" describes a typical independent variable, while the second statement "The factors that are the same in an experiment" refers to controlled variables.