What is the independent variable in a scientific experiment?

Question

anonymous · Answer

It's the variable that causes the dependent variable to change. 

Let me give you an example situation....

If I study for a long time....
then I get better grades on my tests. 

But if I don't study for very long, 
I get bad grades on my tests. 

There are two variables in this situation. 

The INDEPENDENT variable is TIME. 
The DEPENDENT variable is my GRADES. 

TIME is the Independent variable, 
because it affects my grades. It causes them to change, depending on how much time I study. 

My GRADES are the Dependent variable, 
because they change, depending on how much time I study. 

The amount of TIME that I study....affects what GRADES I get on my test. 
That's why TIME is Independent, 
and GRADES are Dependent.

anonymous · Answer

If you have anymore questions like this, try asking in one of the science sections.

anonymous · Answer

Is your name really Carlyle? I like it.

anonymous · Answer

Your explanation was Awesome, you are a true value to this site. Yes, that is my name.