What is the independent variable in an experiment?

The independent variable in an experiment is the variable that is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on another variable. This manipulation is crucial because it allows the researcher to determine if changes in the independent variable lead to changes in the dependent variable, which is the variable measured in response. By altering the independent variable, the researcher can establish cause-and-effect relationships.

In experiments, the independent variable is typically the focus of the hypothesis, and it is designed to test the effect of that specific change under controlled conditions. The careful manipulation of this variable enables researchers to derive conclusions about its impact, making it fundamental to experimental design and the scientific method.