Controls, controlled variables etc (1 Viewer)

[Jessisbored]

Okay ive confused myself. but there needs no explaining. what are they?

 

[morgue]

I think a variable is the factor being tested; the part of the experiment that has changed. For example, in the experiment where part of it was when you tested the effect of the pH on the activity of a particular enzyme, the variable would be the pH because it changes. I'm guessing that it's also the controlled variable because you're able to control the amount of pH you use.
Then there's independent variable and the dependent variable if you want to know that. The dependent variable is the one that depends on the independent variable. Getting back to the same experiment, the dependent variable would be the rate of activity on the enzyme as it depends of the independent variable which is the pH because you have control of that.

Hope it helps. Although it probably makes no sense.

 

[helper]

The controlled variables are the things you keep the same.

A control is a second experiment you do to compare results.

 

[lukebennett]

independant is something like time. eg the amout of dissolved solid may depend on how long it has been in solution

dependant variable is the other (the amount of solution dissolved)

the controlled variable would be the amount of solid used (must be constant for valid results).

 

[withoutaface]

Independent: The condition you alter.
Dependent: The thing you are measuring.
Controlled: Everything else.
Control: A separate experiment set up without altering the independent variable to ensure that it is indeed that variable which is having an effect.