Which of the following statements about independent and dependent variables is accurate? (Choose all that apply)

Question

Both the independent and dependent variables are mentioned in the hypothesis.

Experiments test for a relationship between the independent and dependent variable.

The dependent variable will never change during the experiment.

The independent variables are held constant during an experiment.

The independent variable is manipulated by the scientist.

Answer 1

The accurate statements about independent and dependent variables are:

1. Both the independent and dependent variables are mentioned in the hypothesis.
2. Experiments test for a relationship between the independent and dependent variable.
3. The independent variable is manipulated by the scientist.

The following statements are not accurate:

3. The dependent variable will never change during the experiment. (This is inaccurate because the dependent variable is expected to change in response to the manipulation of the independent variable.)
4. The independent variables are held constant during an experiment. (This statement is misleading; while the independent variable is intentionally manipulated, other variables typically need to be controlled or held constant to ensure a fair test.)