Question

Select the statement below that accurately differentiates between the test variable (independent variable) and the outcome variable (dependent variable).

1) The test variable is purposely changed in an experiment and the outcome variable always stays constant.
2) The test variable must be constant in order for the outcome variable to be controlled.
3) The test variable is measured because the outcome variable is being tested.
4) The test variable is changed by the experimenter and is independent of other variables.
5) The outcome variable changes because of the test variable and is observed and measured.

Answer 1

The independent variable (test variable) is deliberately changed or manipulated by the experimenter, while the dependent variable (outcome variable) is measured and observed to see how it changes in response to the independent variable.

Step-by-step explanation:

The independent variable, also known as the test variable, is deliberately changed or manipulated by the experimenter. It is the variable that the researcher wants to test to see if it has an effect on the dependent variable. For example, in an experiment testing how sunlight affects plant growth, the amount of sunlight would be the independent variable because the researcher can change or control it.

The dependent variable, also known as the outcome variable, is the variable that is being measured and observed to see how it changes in response to the independent variable. It is the variable that the researcher believes will be affected by the independent variable. In the plant growth experiment, the growth of the plants would be the dependent variable because it is being measured to see how it changes with different amounts of sunlight.

Therefore, statement 5 accurately differentiates between the test variable (independent variable) and the outcome variable (dependent variable): "The outcome variable changes because of the test variable and is observed and measured."