Question

Identify the independent variable in the following scenario. A nutritionist believes that the use of honey may reduce the frequency of coughing in children who have an upper respiratory infection.

a. Honey
b. Frequency of Coughing

Answer 1

HONEY

Explanation:

When two variables are related then one of them may be independent while the other one is dependent on the former variable.

Any kind of change in dependent variable does not impacts the independent variable whereas any change in independent variable certainly alters the other variable which is dependent on the variable being deliberately altered.

Here, in this case the statement declares that 'the use of honey may reduce coughing in children', we infer that using honey can bring down the frequency of coughing in children.

At the same time if we any how change the frequency of coughing then the involvement of change in the factor 'honey' is absurd.

Answer 2

Honey is independent variable.

Explanation:

The independent variable is the variable which does not depend on other variables.

The variables which depends on the other variable are called dependent variables.

When children use honey, the frequency of coughing decreases.

So, the honey is independent variable and frequency of coughing is dependent variable.