Developing a Question Using Variables

Created by Marcie Griffith 2012

Research questions are are framed around the possible relationship

between an independent and dependent variable.

Independent Variable

• Variable I will manipulate (change) in the experiment

• Only 1 independent variable allowed

Dependent Variable

• What I will measure

• Data I will record

• The result DEPENDS on my independent variable

Posing Your QuestionWhat happens to ____________ when we (Dependent Variable)

change ____________________? (Independent Variable)

OR How does ___________________ affect (Independent Variable) _________________? (Dependent Variable)

Let’s Practice!

Observation- Handball CourtI noticed that students who won the most handball games, were those who could bounce the ball over their opponent’s head.

Let’s apply the scientific method to help my answer my question

This made me wonder… How much does the ball have to do with the bounce height?

Research questions are written in the form of a question about the possible relationship between an independent and dependent variable.

Research questions are written in the form of a question about the possible relationship between an independent and dependent variable.

Research questions are written in the form of a question about the possible relationship between an independent and dependent variable.

ONLY 1 Independent Variable Allowed!

Research questions are written in the form of a question about the possible relationship between an independent and dependent variable.

Research questions are written in the form of a question about the possible relationship between an independent and dependent variable.

What happens to bounce height when we change the color of the ball?

OR

How does ball color affect bounce height?

Head’s Together!

• What is the independent variable?

• What is the dependent variable?

Controlled Variables

Controlled Variables

Controlled Variables

15 ftDrop

Height10 ftDrop

Height

What’s wrong here?

How might this impact our experiment?

Controlled Variables

15 ftDrop

Height

What’s wrong here?

What variable might thisscenario test?

15 ftDrop

Height

Controlled Variables

15 ftDrop

HeightWhat variable might thisScenario test?

15 ftDrop

Height

Controlled Variables

15 ftDrop

Height

How many times should I repeat the measurement?

15 ftDrop

Height

Continuing the Experiment • Conduct Experiment • Take Multiple Measurements• Represent Data• Interpret Data & Draw Conclusions • Future Research/Next Steps• Share Findings