Independent and Dependent Variables Scenarios
Quiz by Heather Reeve
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- Q1Scenario:
A cow is given a growth hormone and then compared to another cow that was not given a growth hormone. Both cows were weighed at 2 years.
What is the independent variable?
Whether the cow receives a growth hormone or notThe cow's weight at 2 years oldThe breed of the cowsThe growth hormone dosage30s - Q2
Scenario: Mosquito repellent is sprayed on one arm and the other arm is not sprayed. The number of mosquito bites is counted after 2 hours.
What is the dependent variable?
The length of time after repellent was appliedRepellent applied vs. no repellentNumber of mosquito bites after 2 hoursType of mosquito30s - Q3
Scenario: One grape is placed in tap water and another grape is placed in salt water. The change in their mass is measured after a day.
What is the independent variable?
Time the grapes are left in waterType of water (tap water or salt water)Change in grape massThe size of the grapes30s - Q4
Scenario: Two different cars are traveling at 60 mph. At a certain point, both cars slam on the brakes.
What does the dependent variable measure in the car stopping distance scenario?
Distance it takes each car to stopThe type of carSpeed of the carsBrake fluid used30s - Q5
Scenario: Pillbugs are placed in a container where they have a choice of a wet or a dry environment. Researchers record how much time was spent on each side.
What is the independent variable?
Type of containerMoisture of the environment (wet side vs. dry side available)Time spent by the bugsThe age of the pillbugs30s - Q6
Scenario: A stapler is used to staple 100 papers, it jams 5 times during the trial. A different brand of stapler performs the same test; it jams 22 times.
What is the dependent variable?
Type of papers usedColor of the staplerBrand/type of staplerNumber of jams while stapling 100 papers30s - Q7
Scenario: Cockroaches are exposed to a pesticide. After 3 hours, 95% of the insects are dead.
What is the independent variable?
The type of cockroachThe length of exposureExposure to pesticide (present vs. not, or amount used)The environment where the cockroaches are placed30s - Q8
Scenario: Two plants are grown using the same light and pots. One plant is given water that has been microwaved and the other plant is given regular tap water. Their height is measured after 2 weeks.
What is the dependent variable?
Type of water givenAmount of sunlight the plants receiveType of plants usedPlant height after 2 weeks30s - Q9
Scenario: The blood pressure of a soldier is measured while he is resting. The soldier is then exposed to a stressful environment and his blood pressure is measured again.
What is the independent variable?
Condition (resting vs. stressful environment)Soldier's ageAmount of exerciseTime of day30s - Q10
Scenario: An apple is cut into slices. Half of the slices are sprayed with lemon juice. All slices are stored in a sealed plastic bag. After 4 days, they are observed to see how brown they turned.
What is the independent variable?
Temperature of storageType of appleLemon juice treatment (sprayed vs. not sprayed)Length of the observation period30s