difference between the independent and dependent variable
The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated by the researcher during an experiment. In this case, the independent variable is the vitamin substance that is being given to the plant. This is controlled by the experimenting scientist. The dependent variable is the amount of plant growth.
Dependent variables are the main outcomes or characteristics of interest. In mentoring research, we might think that the program affects youth grades, self-esteem, and delinquency. If so, those factors would be our dependent variables in statistical analysis.