In a study examining how light intensity affects plant height, what is the dependent variable?

In a study examining how light intensity affects plant height, what is the dependent variable?

• A. Light intensity
• B. Soil pH
• C. Plant height
• D. Amount of fertilizer

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the dependent variable is the response you measure to see how it changes when you alter something. In this study, light intensity is the factor you deliberately change to create different conditions, and the researchers then measure how tall the plant grows under those conditions. The height of the plant is the outcome being observed, so it is the dependent variable. The other items describe factors that could influence growth but are not the measured response in this scenario (they would be controlled or kept constant).

The main idea is that the dependent variable is the response you measure to see how it changes when you alter something. In this study, light intensity is the factor you deliberately change to create different conditions, and the researchers then measure how tall the plant grows under those conditions. The height of the plant is the outcome being observed, so it is the dependent variable. The other items describe factors that could influence growth but are not the measured response in this scenario (they would be controlled or kept constant).