Variables in Science: Definition, Types, and Examples

Question 1

In science, which of these is NOT a type of variable?

Accepted Answer

Extraneous

Answer

Independent

Answer

Dependent

Question 2

Which variable is manipulated by the experimenter to test its effect on another variable?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 3

Which variable changes in response to the changes in the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Answer

Independent variable

Question 4

Which variables are kept constant to ensure that only the effect of the independent variable is being tested?

Accepted Answer

Controlled variables

Answer

Dependent variables

Answer

Independent variables

Question 5

In an experiment to test the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, the amount of fertilizer added would be:

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 6

Which type of variable indicates the result or outcome that is being measured?

Accepted Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 7

What is the key purpose of using controlled variables in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

To ensure consistency and eliminate bias

Answer

To increase the accuracy of results

Answer

To simplify the experiment

Question 8

In an experiment investigating the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis, which would be an appropriate controlled variable?

Accepted Answer

Temperature

Answer

Light intensity

Answer

Type of plant

Question 9

In an experiment, which variable does the scientist adjust or control?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 10

Which variable reacts or changes as a result of the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 11

Which variable remains the same throughout an experiment to ensure fairness?

Accepted Answer

Controlled variable

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Question 12

In an investigation on how light intensity affects plant growth, which variable is manipulated?

Accepted Answer

Light intensity

Answer

Plant growth

Answer

Time of exposure

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a desirable feature of a variable?

Accepted Answer

Subjective

Answer

Measurable

Answer

Controlled

Answer

Relevant

Question 14

Why do scientists use controlled variables in experiments?

Accepted Answer

To isolate the impact of the independent variable

Answer

To make experiments more enjoyable

Answer

To shorten the duration of experiments

Question 15

Which variable, height, best represents continuous data?

Accepted Answer

Height

Answer

Gender

Answer

Hair color

Question 16

How can qualitative and quantitative variables be distinguished?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative data is numerical, while qualitative data is not

Answer

Qualitative data is numerical, while quantitative data is not

Answer

Qualitative data can be ranked, while quantitative data cannot

Question 17

Which option correctly presents a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

If the light intensity is increased, then the plant will grow taller

Answer

The plant will grow taller because the light intensity is increased

Answer

The plant may grow taller if the light intensity is increased

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a type of variable in science?

Accepted Answer

Constant

Answer

Independent

Answer

Dependent

Answer

Controlled

Question 19

The variable that is changed or manipulated by the scientist is called the:

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 20

Variables that are kept the same throughout an experiment are known as:

Accepted Answer

Controlled

Answer

Independent

Answer

Dependent

Question 21

What variable is being affected in a scientific investigation?

Accepted Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 22

In an experiment testing the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, which variable is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Plant height

Answer

Type of fertilizer

Answer

Amount of fertilizer

Question 23

What is the first step in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Making observations

Answer

Forming a hypothesis

Answer

Conducting an experiment

Answer

Analysing results

Question 24

Why is it important to operationalize variables in scientific investigations?

Accepted Answer

To make the variables measurable

Answer

To reduce bias in data analysis

Answer

To make the research question simpler

Answer

To ensure ethical considerations are met

Question 25

Identify the option that does not represent a type of variable.

Accepted Answer

External variable

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 26

Which variable is intentionally modified by the researcher?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 27

Which variable responds to changes made in the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 28

Which variable is maintained constant to ensure a fair experiment?

Accepted Answer

Controlled variable

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Question 29

In an experiment investigating the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, which variable is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Amount of fertilizer

Answer

Amount of water

Answer

Type of plant

Question 30

In a study examining the relationship between sleep duration and academic performance, which variable is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Grade point average

Answer

Hours of sleep

Answer

Age of participants

Question 31

In a controlled experiment, the controlled variable is the one that:

Accepted Answer

Is kept constant

Answer

Is manipulated by the researcher

Answer

Is measured as the outcome

Question 32

Which of the following options represents a quantitative variable?

Accepted Answer

Height

Answer

Gender

Answer

Eye color

Answer

Favorite food

Question 33

Which of the following is not considered a type of variable in scientific investigations?

Accepted Answer

Extraneous variable

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 34

In a scientific experiment, the variable that is intentionally manipulated or changed by the experimenter is called the:

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 35

Which of the following is an example of a controlled variable in a scientific experiment?

Accepted Answer

Temperature of the environment

Answer

Amount of light exposure

Answer

Type of fertilizer used

Question 36

The variable that responds or changes as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 37

Which of the following is not considered a characteristic of a well-designed scientific experiment?

Accepted Answer

Predetermined conclusions

Answer

Properly controlled variables

Answer

Unbiased data collection

Answer

Clear and concise hypothesis

Question 38

Which of the following scenarios best represents a controlled experiment?

Accepted Answer

Comparing the growth rates of plants in different types of soil while keeping all other factors constant

Answer

Surveying people's opinions on a particular topic without controlling for potential biases

Answer

Observing the behaviour of animals in their natural habitat without any intervention

Question 39

How does operationalizing variables contribute to their measurability and objectivity in scientific investigations?

Accepted Answer

By providing clear and specific definitions of the variables

Accepted Answer

By eliminating any subjective interpretations of the variables

Accepted Answer

By ensuring that the variables are always measured using the same method

Question 40

What is the purpose of a controlled variable in a scientific experiment?

Accepted Answer

To remain constant throughout the experiment

Answer

To be changed while all other variables are kept constant

Answer

To be measured at the end of the experiment

Answer

To be used as a comparison for the experimental group

Question 41

Which type of variable is typically represented on the y-axis of a graph in a scientific investigation?

Accepted Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Answer

Constant variable

Question 42

What is the main purpose of a hypothesis in a scientific investigation?

Accepted Answer

To provide a possible explanation for an observed phenomenon

Answer

To predict the outcome of an experiment

Answer

To provide a step-by-step method for conducting an experiment

Answer

To record the data collected during an experiment

Question 43

What is the key difference between a qualitative and a quantitative variable?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative variables are numerical, while qualitative variables are non-numerical

Answer

A qualitative variable cannot be measured, while a quantitative variable can be measured

Answer

A qualitative variable can be measured, while a quantitative variable cannot be measured

Answer

Qualitative variables are numerical, while quantitative variables are non-numerical

Question 44

Which of the following is an example of a qualitative variable?

Accepted Answer

The colour of a flower

Answer

The temperature of a liquid

Answer

The mass of a rock

Answer

The volume of a gas

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a type of variable in science?

Accepted Answer

Fixed

Answer

Independent

Answer

Controlled

Answer

Dependent

Question 46

The variable that the experimenter deliberately changes or manipulates in an experiment is called the:

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Question 47

The variable that is observed and measured in response to changes in the independent variable is called the:

Accepted Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Fixed

Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 48

What is a primary purpose of using controlled variables in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

To minimize the influence of other variables on the results.

Answer

To ensure that the experimenter gets the desired outcome.

Answer

To make the experiment more exciting.

Question 49

Which of the following is an example of a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

If the amount of fertilizer given to a plant is increased, then the plant will grow taller.

Answer

Plants need sunlight to grow.

Answer

Fertilizer is good for plants.

Question 50

Which of the following is a best practice when writing MCQ questions?

Accepted Answer

Use simple and clear language.

Answer

Include irrelevant information in the distractors.

Answer

Use multiple negatives in the question stem.

Answer

Make the correct answer very obvious.

Question 51

When is it appropriate to use MCQs in an assessment?

Accepted Answer

When you need to assess a large number of students in a limited amount of time.

Answer

When you want to provide detailed feedback on student responses.

Answer

When you want to assess students' critical thinking skills.