What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable. What is an example of each from your penny graphing activity?
An independent variable is a factor that is manipulated or changed by the researcher in an experiment, while a dependent variable is the outcome or result that is measured.
In the penny graphing activity, an example of the independent variable could be the height from which the penny is dropped. The researcher can manipulate this variable by dropping the penny from different heights, such as 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm.
On the other hand, an example of the dependent variable in the penny graphing activity could be the number of times the penny flips heads or tails after landing. This variable is dependent on the independent variable (height), as different heights may have an impact on the number of flips the penny performs.
In an experiment or study, an independent variable is the variable that is deliberately changed or manipulated by the researcher. It is the cause or predictor variable. On the other hand, a dependent variable is the variable that is observed or measured to determine the effects of the independent variable. It is the outcome or response variable.
In the penny graphing activity, an example of an independent variable would be the drop height of the penny. The researcher can deliberately change the height from which the penny is dropped to observe its effects on the dependent variable.
An example of a dependent variable in the penny graphing activity would be the number of times the penny flips in the air after being dropped. The researcher would observe and measure this variable to determine how it is influenced by the independent variable (drop height).