Let's say you are conducting research to test the idea that regular flossing reduces the incidence of gum disease. In this hypothetical design, what is the independent variable?
A) gum disease
B) flossing frequency
C) the severity of the gum disease
D) both a and b are independent variables

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the variable that is being manipulated or changed in the experiment, and in this case, it is the frequency of flossing. Gum disease is the dependent variable, as it is the outcome being measured and is expected to change based on the independent variable. The severity of the gum disease is not directly manipulated in this experiment, so it is not an independent variable. Choice D is incorrect because both A and B cannot be independent variables; there can only be one independent variable in an experiment.

Let's Say You Are Conducting Research to Test the Idea