what is the difference between an independent varible and a dependent variable

Question

anonymous · Answer

Independent variable is what you are looking to solve for in an experiment.
The Dependent variables are the things in the experiment that are maintained (or changed) in an attempt to alter the independent variable.

To go back to my "finger poking eye example" if the individual put a tack on the end of their finger they would be altering the dependent variable in an attempt to change the independent variable (the pain caused by poking their eye).