Question

Which statement best describes the independent variable in an experiment?

a. It's the thing observed and measured
b. It's a scientific test with constant conditions
c. It's the then part of the hypothesis
d. It's the focus of interest in the experiment

Answer 1

The independent variable is the focus of interest in an experiment, manipulated by the researcher to observe its impact on the dependent variable, while control variables are kept constant.

Step-by-step explanation:

The independent variable in an experiment is best described by option (d): It's the focus of interest in the experiment. This variable is the one that the researcher manipulates or varies to observe the effects on the dependent variable. The purpose of manipulating the independent variable is to establish or test its effect on the dependent variable, while other variables, known as control variables, are kept constant.

For clarity, an experimental study involves manipulating the independent variable and measuring the impact it has on the dependent variable. A classic example of this would be altering the amount of sunlight plants receive (the independent variable) to observe changes in their growth rate (the dependent variable).