What is Independent Variables?
An Independent Variable is kind of variable that is used in experiments, studies, statistical modeling and mathematical modeling that isn’t dependent on any other variables that are part of the research.
A variable that is independent can be altered through an experiment, which influences the changes of the dependent variables. Most often in mathematical equations independent variables are indicated by the letter ‘x’. Independent variables are also referred to as “explanatory variables,”” “manipulated variables” and “controlled variables.” In graphs where the independent variable is typically displayed along the X-axis. Independent variables are usually utilized in research to study their impact on other dependent variables.
However, in other situations in which their influence isn’t essential they can be used to reflect their possible confounding effects. The notion of independent variables may differ from one field to the next. In the field of statistics the term “independent variables” refers to those that can be controlled by the researcher. In research independent variables are variables selected to examine their possible impacts on the other variables that are being examined. Independent variables are necessary for the study or existence for any dependent variables. Also, one independent variable might affect two different dependent variables.
These variables are utilized in experiments to investigate the cause-effect relation where changes in independent variables form the “cause” portion that is the subject of study. The examples of independent variables are based on the purpose of the experiment. certain variables used in research include: In an experiment investigating the response of moths towards dark and light by switching the light off and on in the experiment, the light is an independent variable. In the study of determining the effect of temperature on plant’s pigmentation, temperature is the main variable.
Examples of independent variables
Non-living variables
In the course of experiments, it is more straightforward to employ non-living independent variables since the manipulation of these variables is much easier. Independent variables could be examined during a study that tested two different smoothing methods on four different types of dental cement. In the research mentioned above the variables that are independent could include the method of application and substances, the intensities of light-curing in the cement the duration of the storage (temperature and time) and the duration time for the polishing process and the settings that the electron microscope uses and the speed of rotation of the device that polishes. The impact of changes in any among these factors on the procedure is the foundation of this study.
Living variables
Living organisms are much more complicated and, consequently, more difficult to manage. Because of this, the majority of studies use simpler animals such as insects, microbes and rats to create the results. These tests are performed on human specimens after all the findings from the studies on animals with simpler characteristics are established. It is important to restrict other variables that are not being examined as they may affect dependent and independent variables. The most common independent variables that are found that are found in living systems are gender, age or body mass index.
What is Dependent variables?
A dependent variable can be described as a form of variable that is used in experiments, sciences, statistical modeling and mathematical modeling that is dependent on the other variables that are part of the context of the experiment.
A dependent variable is not able to be controlled by the researcher because the changes are caused from the dependent variables. Most often in mathematical equations dependent variables are identified by the letter ‘y’. Dependent variables can also be described as “measured variable”,” or the “responding variable” as well as”the “explained variables”. In graphs dependent variables are typically depicted along the Y-axis. Dependent variables are utilized in experiments to investigate their value under the supposition or hypotheses that they are dependent on, according to a law or rule, other variables, also known as independent variables. The majority of research involves the study of variations or changes within the dependent variables. The notion of dependent variables may vary from one industry to the next. In the field of statistics dependencies are the ones likely to change when independent variables are altered. Dependent variables respond to one or more independent variables, and consequently “depends” on these variables.
Dependent variables can’t exist without independent variables. A dependent variable is only affected by one independent variable at one research. The variables are employed in experiments to investigate the cause-effect relationship . Changes in dependent variables due to independent variables comprise the “effect” part of the study. The influence of the dependent variable is the basis of every experiment. Dependent variables can be described as dependent on the purpose of the experiment. certain variables that are associated which are tested are:
- In an experiment to test moths’ reactions to darkness and light, by turning the light off and on moths’ behavior toward lights is the determining of the light.
- In a research study that studies the impact of temperature on pigmentation of plants, changes in pigmentation of plants in response to temperature are the main variable.
Examples of dependent variables
Recovery of patients
In a research study that aims to assess the effect of medicines in the treatment of cold-suffering patients the rate of healing of patients is the main variable. The study shows that half of patients are treated with the drugs while the other half aren’t. Then, the rates of healing of patients who are taking the drug and those who do not take the medication is compared. In the event that the speed of healing of patients who take the medication is greater than those who are not taking the drug, the drug is believed to be efficient. If, however, the rate of recovery is identical in both instances the drug is considered ineffective against colds.
Changes in plant pigmentation with temperature
Another study was carried out to examine the effects of temperature on pigmentation in plants The changes in pigmentation in plants due to changes in temperature are the primary variable. The research is conducted by altering temperatures in the surrounding environment and the change in the pigmentation of the plants are recorded and observed. On this basis, the impact of temperature on the plant’s pigmentation can be assessed.
Difference Between Independent and Dependent variables – Independent vs Dependent variables
| Base for Comparative | Independent variable | Dependent variables |
| Definition | It is the kind of variable utilized in the field of experimental studies, statistical modeling and mathematical modeling, which does not depend on other variables within the scope of the research. | A dependent variable can be described as a form of variable utilized in the field of experimental studies, statistical modeling and mathematical modeling that is dependent on the other variables that are part of the scope of the study. |
| Also known as | Independent variables can be described in the following ways “explanatory variables,” “manipulated variables,” or “controlled variables.” | Dependent variables can also be described in the following ways “measured variable,” the “responding variable,” or the “explained variable”. |
| Referred to by | When mathematical formulas are used, the independent variables are identified by the letter the letter ‘x’.. | In mathematical equations dependent variables are identified by the letter ‘y’.. |
| Graph | In graphs in a graph, it is the variable that has independent significance typically drawn along the X-axis. | In graphs dependent variables are typically displayed in the Y-axis. |
| Dependence | Like the name implies, the variables that are independent of an experiment don’t depend on any other variables. | The name suggests that the dependent variables in an experiment are dependent on independent variables. |
| Changes are caused by | The variations of the variables that are independent have been triggered by the researcher. | The changes in dependent variables are caused by changes in the independent variables. |
| Cause-effect | Variables with independent changes are the “cause” portion of the study. | Variables that change in dependent variables by independent variables comprise the “effect” part of the study. |
| Existence | Independent variables are able to exist without dependent variables. | Dependent variables can’t exist without independent variables. |
| Attributes | Independent variables are made up of stimulus for experiment that has two characteristics that are present or not. | Dependent variables are dependent variables that have attributes that are either direct either indirect or directly via constructions. |
| Examples | In an experiment that tests the moths’ behavior to dark and light by switching the light off and on the light source is the sole variable.In a study to determine the impact of temperature on plant’s pigmentation, temperature is the primary variable. | In an experiment that tests the moths’ behavior towards darkness and light, by turning the light off and on the moths’ behavior toward lighting is the determining of the light.In a research study that studies the impact of temperature on plant pigmentation, changes in pigmentation of plants in reaction to the temperature are the primary variable. |
