Nala wants to determine if providing awards for science fair winners increases or decreases participation by average students. She thinks that by promoting science as a competition some children may decide not to participate. To address this question, Nala identifies two types of schools in her district, schools that provide awards or schools that do not. She compares the participation rate of students in her two groups. Given Nala's study, what is the independent variable?
A) School location
B) Student achievement
C) School type
D) Participation rate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the variable that is being manipulated or changed in the study. In this case, the independent variable is whether the school provides awards or not, which is the differentiating factor between the two groups of schools that Nala is comparing. School location, student achievement, and participation rate are not independent variables in this study.

Nala Wants to Determine If Providing Awards for Science Fair