independent
Definition
Independent means not affected by or not connected to something else.
In science, independent variables are variables that are changed by the scientist to see how they affect the dependent variable. For example, a scientist might change the amount of water a plant receives to see how it affects the height of the plant.
Dependent variables are variables that are affected by the independent variable. In the example above, the height of the plant is the dependent variable because it is affected by the amount of water the plant receives.
Independent variables and dependent variables are important in science because they allow scientists to test hypotheses and make predictions. For example, the scientist in the example above can test the hypothesis that plants grow taller when they receive more water. They can also predict that if they give a plant more water, it will grow taller.
How can the word be used?
The independent contractor works for himself and is not employed by a company.
Different forms of the word
Adjective: Independent means not depending on or controlled by others.
Noun: An independent is someone who is not part of a group or organisation.
Verb: To make independent is to make someone or something not depend on or controlled by others.
Etymology
The word "independent" comes from the Latin word "independens", which means "not depending on".
The word "independens" is made up of the following parts:
"in" means "not".
"de" means "from".
"pendere" means "to hang".
So, the word "independens" literally means "not hanging from". This is a very accurate description of the meaning of the word "independent", as it refers to something that is not dependent on others.
Question
What does independent mean?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of an independent variable in scientific experiments, detailing its role in hypothesis testing and experimental design, and provide an example of how manipulating an independent variable can help establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Answer:
An independent variable is a fundamental component in scientific experiments, representing the factor intentionally manipulated by researchers to observe its effect on the dependent variable. It plays a pivotal role in hypothesis testing and the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships.
In experimental design, the independent variable is controlled and altered by the researcher to determine its impact on the dependent variable, which is the outcome being measured. This manipulation allows scientists to analyse whether changes in the independent variable lead to corresponding changes in the dependent variable, helping to infer causal relationships.
For instance, consider an experiment investigating the effect of sunlight exposure (independent variable) on plant growth (dependent variable). Different groups of plants are exposed to varying amounts of sunlight, while other conditions are kept constant. By analysing the growth patterns, scientists can determine whether sunlight exposure directly influences plant growth, establishing a causal link.
The careful control and manipulation of the independent variable are essential to drawing valid conclusions from experiments. It ensures that observed changes in the dependent variable are indeed a result of the factor being tested, contributing to the rigour and reliability of scientific investigations.