Having trouble with the independent and dependent variable in an if then statement.
"If root growth is related to gravity, then roots will always turn toward the earth regardless of a seed's orientation."
An independent variable is the potential stimulus or cause, usually directly manipulated by the experimenter, so it could also be called a manipulative variable.
A dependent variable is the response or measure of results.
Extraneous variables — other than the independent variable — potentially can affect the dependent variable, so they must be controlled. If possible, you try to keep them constant between the experimental and control group.