Final answer:
In the experimental method, the independent variable is sometimes referred to as the treatment. It is the variable that is manipulated or controlled by the experimenter. The dependent variable is the variable that is measured to see the effect of the independent variable.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the experimental method, the independent variable is sometimes referred to as the treatment. The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated or controlled by the experimenter. It is the variable that is changed to see how it affects the dependent variable, which is the variable that is measured to see the effect of the independent variable.
For example, if you are conducting an experiment to test the effect of different amounts of fertilizer on plant growth, the independent variable would be the amount of fertilizer given to each plant, while the dependent variable would be the height of the plants.
The correct answer is b. Independent variable.