Aresearcher is investigating the effects of exercise on weight. what are the independent and dependent variables in this experiment? . answer. . the dependent variable is weight; the independent variable is exercise.. the independent variable is calories consumed; the dependent variable is diet.. the independent variable is weight; the dependent variable is calories consumed.. . the dependent variable is amount of exercise; the independent variable is calories consumed..

The INDEPENDENT variable is the one that causes the dependent variable to change.

WE can control the independent variable, however we want to control it.

The DEPENDENT variable is the one that changes, all by itself. This variable changes by itself, depending on how WE change the INDEPENDENT variable.

Let me give you an example:
If I study for a long time, then I get better grades in school.
If I study for a very short time, then I get bad grades in school.

The INDEPENDENT variable is how long I study.
I can control how long I study. I can change it, however I want.

The DEPENDENT variable is what kind of grades I get in school.
This changes all by itself, depending on the independent variable. It all depends on how long I've studied.

Do you get it?

In science, the INDEPENDENT variable is the one that CAUSES the dependent variable to change. And the DEPENDENT variable changes all by itself, depending on how the independent variable changes.