Variables

Ola, my wonderfully eager scientists.
I'm back to the grind, and missing you guys like crazy! Theres a few new Queen's students that are going to Power and Im soooo jealous

As for asking me questions about bio, that's what it's is for :) I don't mind it at all... it's a nice break from writing about my philosophy about education.

aanyhoo, on with variables

As you know, variables are the things that can change, so the temperature of a substrate or the level of sweating by a participant.

There are the two different types of variables, Dependent and independent(or controlled). Take a look at the words and that'll give you the clue as to what they are.

the Independent variable is the one that is self-determining... you manipulate/change this one.
the Dependent variable is the one that is...dependent on the independent variable.

So, to give you an example, I invented a drug and wanted to test the dosage and how this effects the sweat response in the body.

The amount of the drug administered is the independent variable and the response is the dependent variable. Does that make sense? The sweat response is illicited by the drug, you need the drug to cause the sweating.


Another example?
The caffiene you administered would be the independent variable because you are the one controlling the outcome.

The heartrate is the dependent variable because it's the one you can't control... it is changed by the amount of drug in the bloodstream.


If you've got any more questions, drop me a line

:D
happy labbing!