In an experiment to study the effects of fertilizer on plants, the growth rate of the plants would be
A)the dependent variable.
B)an extraneous variable.
C)an irrelevant variable.
D)the independent variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The growth rate of the plants is the variable being measured, so it is the dependent variable. The independent variable would be the fertilizer, as it is being manipulated by the researcher. Extraneous variables are variables that could potentially influence the results of the study, but are not being intentionally manipulated by the researcher. Irrelevant variables are variables that have no relevance or impact on the study.

In an Experiment to Study the Effects of Fertilizer on Plants