The "Cause" (Independent)
This is the thing that happens first to make a change.
Independent Variable
This is the thing that changes because of something else.
The Dependent Variable changes because of something else.
If you eat more candy, you get more cavities. Is the candy the Boss?
Yes - Independent Variable, I can have fewer cavities by eating less candy.
The more you sleep, the more _____ you have the next day.
Energy
The amount of energy you have depends on the amount you sleep.
Independent: The amount you sleep
Dependent: The amount of energy you have the next day.
Does the rain cause the puddles, or do the puddles
cause the rain?
The rain causes puddles.
Puddles depend on the rain.
Independent: Rain
Dependent: Puddles
You play video games for 3 hours and your eyes get tired.
What is the independent variable?
Your eyes getting tired depends on playing video games for 3 hours.
Independent: Playing Video Games
Dependent: Eyes Getting Tired
You study hard and get a 100 on your test. Which one is Dependent?
Getting a 100 on your test depends on you studying hard.
Independent: studying hard
Dependent: Getting a 100 on your test
The sun comes out and the ice cream melts. Is the melting ice cream the Boss?
No, The melting ice cream is the Dependent Variable.
The sun coming out is the Boss.
How fast you run depends on how fast you move your _____.
Legs or Feet
How fast you run depends on how fast you move your Legs or Feet.
Independent: how fast you move your Legs or Feet
Dependent: How fast you run
Does the number of students depend on the number of desks needed, or vice versa?
No.
The number of desks needed depends on the number of students.
Independent: number of desks needed
Dependent: number of students
This variable is the Input you get to choose.
Independent Variable
This variable is the Output. It's the result you see at the end.
The Dependent Variable is the Output.
It's the result you see at the end.
You turn up the heat and the room gets warm. |
Is the room temperature the Boss?
No - The room temperature is Dependent on whether I turn up the heat.
The price of the pizza depends on how many _____ you add.
Toppings
The price of the pizza depends on how many Toppings you add.
Independent: how many Toppings you add
Dependent: the price of the pizza
Does the mess in your room depend on how many toys you use?
Yes
The mess in your room depends on how many toys you use.
Independent: How many toys you use.
Dependent: Mess in your room
If I say "The plant grew because I watered it," which part is Independent?
The plant growing depends on watering the plant.
Independent: Watering the Plant
Dependent: Plant Growing
If I say "My phone died because I watched videos," which part is Dependent?
The phone dying depends on watching videos.
Independent: Watching Videos
Dependent: Phone Dyed
You push a ball and it rolls.
Is pushing the ball the Boss?
Yes - Pushing the ball is the Independent variable.
The ball rolling, depends on whether I push the ball.
How much you grow depends on how much _____ you eat.
Food/Healthy food
How much you grow depends on how much Food/Healthy food you eat.
Independent: how much Food/Healthy food you eat
Dependent: How much you grow
Does the time it takes to get home depend on how fast you walk?
Yes
The time it takes to get home depends on how fast you walk.
Independent: how fast you walk
Dependent: time it takes to get home
Which variable "causes" the other one to change?
The Independent Variable "causes" the Dependent Variable to change
Which variable "responds" to the change?
Dependent Variable
You buy a ticket and get to see a movie.
Is seeing the movie the Boss?
No - Seeing the movie is dependent on buying a ticket.
Independent: Buying a ticket
Dependent: Seeing the movie
The amount of water in a pool depends on how long the _____ was on.
Hose or Water Faucet
The amount of water in a pool depends on how long the Hose or Water Faucet was on.
Independent: how long the Hose or Water Faucet was on
Dependent: The amount of water in a pool
Does your height depend on your age, or does your age depend on your height?
Your height depends on your age.
Independent: Your Age
Dependent: Height