What type of variable is defined as the one that is intentionally changed in an experiment?

The independent variable is the one that researchers deliberately change or manipulate in an experiment to observe how it affects other variables, particularly the dependent variable. By altering the independent variable, scientists can determine the relationship between this variable and the changes that occur in response to it. This manipulation is crucial for establishing cause-and-effect relationships in experimental research.

In contrast, the dependent variable is what is being measured in the experiment; it is the outcome that is affected by changes in the independent variable. Control variables are factors that are kept constant throughout the experiment to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable alone, while constant variables refer to elements that remain unchanged in order to maintain the integrity of the experiment. Understanding the role of the independent variable is fundamental to conducting effective scientific experiments and gaining valid insights from the research.