Mastering Independent and Dependent Variables

Experiment Variables

• The independent variable is the variable changed by scientists to test the experiment's hypothesis.
• The dependent variable is the thing being measured during an experiment.
• In the Mythbusters experiment, the independent variable is the dimples added to the car's shape.
• The dependent variable in the Mythbusters experiment is the effect of the dimples on the car's aerodynamics.
• The purpose of adding dimples to a car's shape in the Mythbusters experiment is to test if it improves the car's aerodynamics.
• The difference between the control and experimental groups of an experiment is an example of an independent variable.
• The question being answered in the Mythbusters experiment is whether adding dimples to a car's shape improves its aerodynamics.