Which variable is manipulated in an experiment?

In an experiment, the variable that is manipulated is referred to as the independent variable. This is the factor that researchers intentionally change to observe its effects on another variable, typically the dependent variable. For instance, if a scientist is testing how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth, the amount of sunlight would be the independent variable because it is what the experimenter alters during the experiment.

The dependent variable, on the other hand, is what is measured or observed in response to the change made to the independent variable. Controlled variables are those factors that remain constant throughout the experiment to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are solely due to the manipulation of the independent variable. Constant variables refer to those elements that do not change at all during the course of the experiment. Understanding this distinction is crucial for designing effective experiments and interpreting their results accurately.