The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment is known as the?

Study for the PLTW Medical Detectives Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your test and excel!

Multiple Choice

The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment is known as the?

Explanation:
In an experiment, you decide what to change to test its effect. The factor you deliberately alter is called the independent variable. The outcome you measure in response to that change is the dependent variable. For example, if you study how temperature affects reaction rate, you would set the temperature (the manipulated factor) and then observe how fast the reaction occurs (the result). Here, the manipulated variable is the independent variable; terms like pulse or temperature are specific measurements that could either be manipulated or measured depending on the study, but they’re not the general name for the factor you change.

In an experiment, you decide what to change to test its effect. The factor you deliberately alter is called the independent variable. The outcome you measure in response to that change is the dependent variable. For example, if you study how temperature affects reaction rate, you would set the temperature (the manipulated factor) and then observe how fast the reaction occurs (the result). Here, the manipulated variable is the independent variable; terms like pulse or temperature are specific measurements that could either be manipulated or measured depending on the study, but they’re not the general name for the factor you change.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy