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

Question

thomaster · Answer

The dependent variable is 'dependent' on the independent variable. As the experimenter changes the independent variable, the change in the dependent variable is observed and recorded.

For example, a scientist wants to see if the brightness of light has any effect on a moth being attracted to the light. How bright the light is is controlled by the scientist. This would be the independent variable. How the moth reacts to the different light levels would be the dependent variable.