Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am planning on doing this science fair project: Which acne treatment works the best? - Pro-active or X-out? and im having a hard time trying to figure out the dependent,independent,controlling, and constant variables. I was thinking that since X-out is a one step wash in treatment, the independent variable could be that one is wash in, and one is wash out. im really having a hard time. Does anybody have any answers?

Hi,

I am assuming that you have read the SciBuddies information on variables. If not, here’s the link: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... bles.shtml

The independent variable is what you are testing—the two acne treatments in your case. The controlled variable would be the treatment method. I assume you are asking friends to test the treatments and report their results to you. You will have to give them instructions about how to use the medications, how much and how often, and they must agree to follow your rules, otherwise the results may be biased.

The dependent variable can be photos of the person taken before and after the treatment for comparison. This is not an exact measurement but if you can get a large enough group of people to compare, it may work. You could also have each person take a survey that asks them questions about the treatment, like how easy was it to use, did they like the way it felt and smelled and looked, did they think it worked, would they use it again, etc.

I hope this clears up the confusion but if you have more questions, we’re here to help.

Good luck!

Sybee