Final answer:
The independent variable in the experiment with goldfish is 'c. Times fed per day'. It is the factor that's manipulated to note its impact on the goldfish's body fat, which is the dependent variable.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the experiment described, the independent variable is c. Times fed per day. This is because it is the factor that the researcher is changing to observe how it affects the body fat of the goldfish. The independent variable can be seen as a cause that might produce an effect. In contrast, the dependent variable in this study would be the body fat of the goldfish, as it is what the researcher will measure and expect to change due to the variations in the independent variable.
Review of Experiment Terms
An experiment is a methodical trial and error procedure carried out with the goal of discovering, proving, or disproving something. In any experiment, the independent variable is the factor that is changed by the scientist and the dependent variable is the effect or outcome measured. For example, in a nutrition study where different formulas are given to rats and the resulting weight gain is recorded, the type of formula would be the independent variable and the weight gain would be the dependent variable.
In the Gary's experiment mentioned, the variable being tested, which is the volume of water given to each plant, is also an independent variable since it is the manipulated factor to test plant growth.