In an experiment, what is the independent variable?

The independent variable in an experiment is the variable that is intentionally changed or manipulated by the experimenter. This change is made to observe how it affects other variables, specifically the dependent variable, which is the outcome being measured. By isolating the independent variable, researchers can draw conclusions about the cause-and-effect relationship between that variable and any changes observed in the dependent variable.

For example, if a scientist is studying the impact of different amounts of sunlight on plant growth, the amount of sunlight would be the independent variable, as it is what the scientist alters to see how it affects the growth of the plants. Identifying the independent variable is crucial for designing an experiment and for interpreting the results correctly because it provides insight into the factors that influence the outcomes being measured.