The independent variable (IV) is the characteristic of a psychology experiment that is manipulated or changed by researchers, not by other variables in the experiment. For example, in an experiment looking at the effects of studying on test scores, studying would be the independent variable.

What is another definition for independent variable?

independent variable. noun. Also called: argument a variable in a mathematical equation or statement whose value determines that of the dependent variable: in y = f(x), x is the independent variable.

What is the scientific definition of variable?

A variable is anything that can change or be changed. In other words, it is any factor that can be manipulated, controlled for, or measured in an experiment.

How do you identify an independent variable?

The independent variable always goes on the x-axis, or the horizontal axis. The dependent variable goes on the y-axis, or vertical axis. As you can see, this is a graph showing how the number of hours a student studies affects the score she got on an exam.

What do you mean by dependent and independent variable?

The independent variable is the variable the experimenter manipulates or changes, and is assumed to have a direct effect on the dependent variable. The dependent variable is the variable being tested and measured in an experiment, and is ‘dependent’ on the independent variable.

What are the two types of variables?

Frequently asked questions about variables You can think of independent and dependent variables in terms of cause and effect: an independent variable is the variable you think is the cause, while a dependent variable is the effect.

What is an independant variable?

An independent variable is defines as the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment. It represents the cause or reason for an outcome. Independent variables are the variables that the experimenter changes to test their dependent variable.

Which is an independent variable in an experiment?

An independent variable is one of the two types of variables used in a scientific experiment. The independent variable is the variable that can be controlled and changed; the dependent variable is directly affected by the change in the independent variable.

What is an independent varuble?

When do you call a variable a dependent variable?

Variable are given a special name that only applies to experimental investigations. One is called the dependent variable and the other the independent variable. In an experiment, the researcher is looking for the possible effect on the dependent variable that might be caused by changing the independent variable.