Life Sciences 2020 The Variables
Practical Notes ● When asked to name or list the variables,
be sure to include the units (eg. cm3 or
Rachel Otter C)
0
Independent variable
The Hypothesis
➔ The researcher chooses to change it
➔ Prediction
➔ It isn’t affected by the other variables
➔ Statement
➔ Include both variables and the Dependent variable
relationship between them
➔ Dependent on other factors
➔ No reason needed
➔ Variable that is observed or measured
Experiment vs Control Fixed Variable
➔ Experiment - gets all the factors
➔ Kept constant throughout the
INCLUDING the factor being tested
experiment
◆ Eg: contains glucose
➔ Eg. same age group, same type of plant,
➔ Control - gets all the factors E
XCLUDING
same environment, same amount of
the factor being tested
water
◆ Eg: NO glucose
➔ Explain if necessary
➔ Purpose: Compare a known negative
◆ Fair test and accurate results
result
➔ Measured carefully with syringe up to
exact line & made sure there were no air
Additional Skills
bubbles
Sections → “cut”
➔ Longitudinal section
➔ Cross section
◆ AKA Transverse section
1
Practical Notes ● When asked to name or list the variables,
be sure to include the units (eg. cm3 or
Rachel Otter C)
0
Independent variable
The Hypothesis
➔ The researcher chooses to change it
➔ Prediction
➔ It isn’t affected by the other variables
➔ Statement
➔ Include both variables and the Dependent variable
relationship between them
➔ Dependent on other factors
➔ No reason needed
➔ Variable that is observed or measured
Experiment vs Control Fixed Variable
➔ Experiment - gets all the factors
➔ Kept constant throughout the
INCLUDING the factor being tested
experiment
◆ Eg: contains glucose
➔ Eg. same age group, same type of plant,
➔ Control - gets all the factors E
XCLUDING
same environment, same amount of
the factor being tested
water
◆ Eg: NO glucose
➔ Explain if necessary
➔ Purpose: Compare a known negative
◆ Fair test and accurate results
result
➔ Measured carefully with syringe up to
exact line & made sure there were no air
Additional Skills
bubbles
Sections → “cut”
➔ Longitudinal section
➔ Cross section
◆ AKA Transverse section
1