im having problems identifying the idependent variables, dependent variables, and controls.......can someone tell me what they are?
2007-05-25 13:10:32 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
The independent variable is the one that does not require anything and is not dependant on anything for instance time. The dependant variable is the variable that requires attention or is dependant on something for something to occur. The control is what you use to compare to you dependant variable to you can tell what has occurred in other word its what you set as your experiments norm.
2007-05-25 13:22:04 · answer #1 · answered by Manjinder N 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the Scientific method, one makes an observation, then formulates a hypothesis. That is usually done in the form of an equation relating independent (uncontrolled) variables to 'dependent' variables (that is, variables whose values 'depend' on the values of the independent variables).
Then, one tests the hypothesis by performing an experiment to validate the relationship hypothesized between the independent and dependent variables. (Of course, in a well done experiment, there are no truly 'independent' variables âº)
A 'control' (or control experiment) is one which is run under exactly the same conditions.
Say you were testing a new drug. You might start with 1000 patients, but only half of them would be given the drug. The other half would receive a 'sugar pill' that did nothing. They would be the 'control' group. Obviouosly the patients all think they're getting the drug so their observations of it efficacy (or lack) won't be colored. In a 'double blind' experiment, the both the person administering the drug *and* the patients don't know who is getting the drug.
HTH
Doug
2007-05-25 13:24:42 · answer #2 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The independent variable is the "input" of an experiment, that which you change in the experiment (that is, it is independent of the effects of the experiment). When plotting data, the independent variable is most commonly plotted on the x-axis.
The dependent variable is the "output" of an experiment, that which you are actively measuring from the experiment (that is, it is dependent on the effects of the experiment). When plotting data, the dependent variable is most commonly plotted on the y-axis.
Controls are every other factor that could potentially affect the results of the experiment, but which you take care to minimize the influence of on the results. How well the controls are maintained determine the amount of error in the experiment.
2007-05-25 13:27:19 · answer #3 · answered by Joe T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The independent variable is the one that you change. The dependent one is the one that you measure (because it DEPENDS on the other variable). The control is a trial that you set up where you change nothing just to make sure that your results are not due to chance.
For example, if you are experimenting with the right amount of plant fertilizer to optimize tomato production, the independent variable is the amount of fertilizer, the dependent variable is the amount of tomatoes, and a control would be a tomato plant with no fertilizer.
2007-05-25 13:23:31 · answer #4 · answered by Cathy K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
12 and 13, 15, and a condom. I beleive those are the correct answers.
2007-05-25 13:16:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋