Experimental Design and Graphing Variables

Vocabulary flashcards covering the core concepts of experimental design, types of variables, standards, controlled experiments, and two-coordinate graphing.

Variable

Something that may change in a scientific investigation or experiment.

Independent Variable

The variable that is intentionally changed or manipulated in an experiment and is known prior to the start of the experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is being measured or observed in an experiment to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Controlled Experiment

An experiment in which only one variable is changed at a time while all other conditions are kept constant.

Standard

The basic procedure or established guideline followed in an experiment to maintain accuracy and consistency.

Techniques for Increasing Experimental Accuracy

Repeating the experiment multiple times (conducting at least $3$ trials), keeping all other factors identical, and using more precise measurement tools.

$x$-axis Variable

The independent variable, which is plotted along the horizontal axis.

$y$-axis Variable

The dependent variable, which is plotted along the vertical axis.

Variable Known Prior to Experiment

The independent variable.

Variable Being Measured

The dependent variable.

$2$-Coordinate Graph

A graph plotting two coordinates ($x$ and $y$) used to display data visually and reveal relationships or patterns between two variables.

Sweatshirt Fundraiser Graph Variables

In the graph of Money Raised versus Number of Sweatshirts, the independent variable is the 'Number of Sweatshirts' ($x$-axis) and the dependent variable is the 'Money Raised ($)$' ($y$-axis).