Independent Variables
Definition
An independent variable is what researchers manipulate during an experiment to measure its impact on dependent variables.
Analogy
Consider baking cookies - changing the amount of sugar you use (independent variable) will affect how sweet your cookies turn out (dependent variable).
Related terms
Dependent Variable: The outcome that researchers measure in an experiment, which may be affected by changes to the independent variable.
Control Variable: A factor or characteristic that is kept constant across all groups in an experiment to ensure that it does not interfere with the results.
Experimental Group: The group in an experiment that receives the manipulation of the independent variable.
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