dependent variable
An experiment generally tests how one variable is affected by another. The affected variable is called the dependent variable . In the plant experiment shown in the Figure above , the dependent variable is plant growth. The variable that affects the dependent variable is called the independent variable . In the plant experiment, the independent variable is fertilizersome plants will get fertilizer, others will not. In any experiment, other factors that might affect the dependent variable must be controlled. In the plant experiment, what factors do you think should be controlled? Hint: What other factors might affect plant growth? .