Variables (independent and dependent)

In research and experiments, variables are key components. An independent variable is what you change or control to see how it affects something else. For example, if you're testing different plant fertilizers, the type of fertilizer is the independent variable. The dependent variable is what you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable, like the growth of the plants. Simply put, the independent variable is the cause you manipulate, while the dependent variable is the effect you measure. Understanding these helps us see relationships and outcomes in various investigations.