1. Independent Variable:
* Definition: This is the variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher in an experiment. It's the "cause" in a cause-and-effect relationship.
* Example: In an experiment testing the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, the *independent variable* would be the amount of fertilizer applied.
2. Dependent Variable:
* Definition: This is the variable that is measured or observed in an experiment. It's the "effect" in a cause-and-effect relationship. It changes in response to the independent variable.
* Example: In the same plant growth experiment, the *dependent variable* would be the height of the plants.
3. Controlled Variable:
* Definition: These are variables that are kept constant throughout the experiment to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable, and not some other factor.
* Example: In the plant growth experiment, *controlled variables* could include:
* The type of plant used
* The amount of sunlight each plant receives
* The amount of water each plant receives
Important Note: These three types of variables are essential for conducting experiments and understanding cause-and-effect relationships in science.
