What is an independent variable? Provide at least two examples
An independent variable is a variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher in an experiment. It is the variable that is believed to have an effect on the dependent variable. Here are two examples of independent variables:
1. Temperature: In a study investigating the effect of temperature on plant growth, the researcher may expose different groups of plants to different temperatures (e.g., 20°C, 25°C, and 30°C). Here, temperature is the independent variable as it is being intentionally changed to observe its impact on the dependent variable (plant growth).
2. Advertising exposure: In a research study examining the influence of advertising on consumer preference, the researcher may expose participants from different groups to varying levels of advertising (e.g., group A exposed to no advertisements, group B exposed to moderate advertisements, and group C exposed to high advertisements). In this case, the level of advertising exposure is the independent variable as it is being manipulated to measure its effect on the dependent variable (consumer preference).