Scientific Method

The independent variable (time) is on the x-axis, while the dependent variable (speed) is on the y-axis of this graph. — The independent and dependent variables are the two main types of variables in a science experiment. A variable is anything you can observe, measure, and record. This includes measurements, colors, sounds, presence or absence of an event, etc. The independent variable is changed to test its effects on the dependent […]

Difference Between Independent and Dependent Variables

This entry was posted on August 23, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on October 2, 2018)

The dependent variable is graphed on the y-axis. Its value depends on the independent variable. (Chris Liverani) — The dependent variable is the variable that is studied and measured in response to changes in the independent variable. In other words, it depends on the independent variable. It is also known as the responding variable or measured variable. Dependent Variable Examples For example, say you want to know whether […]

Dependent Variable Definition and Examples

This entry was posted on August 17, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine

The independent variable is recorded on the x-axis of a graph. The effect on the dependent variable is recorded on the y-axis. — The independent variable is the variable that is controlled or changed in a scientific experiment to test its effect on the dependent variable. It doesn’t depend on another variable and isn’t changed by any factors an experimenter is trying to measure. The independent variable is denoted by the letter x in an […]

What Is an Independent Variable? Definition and Examples

This entry was posted on August 17, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on August 17, 2018)

A hypothesis is a prediction of the outcome of a test. It forms the basis for designing an experiment in the scientific method. A good hypothesis is testable, meaning it makes a prediction you can check with observation or testing. Here are different hypothesis examples. Null Hypothesis Examples The null […]

Hypothesis Examples

This entry was posted on November 24, 2014 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on November 24, 2014)

This scientific method quiz tests your understanding of the scientific method. The scientific method is a systematic means of exploring the natural world, asking and answering questions, and explaining how things work. Let’s see how well you understand the steps of the scientific method and what constitutes good science. This […]

Scientific Method Quiz

This entry was posted on October 9, 2014 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on October 12, 2014)

Scientific Method Steps — The scientific method is a system scientists and other people use to ask and answer questions about the natural world. In a nutshell, the scientific method works by making observations, asking a question or identifying a problem, and then designing and analyzing an experiment to test a prediction of what […]

Steps of the Scientific Method

This entry was posted on September 27, 2014 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on September 28, 2014)