Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi, my son has decided to do his science project on the No Pain, Lots of Game experiment. We are trying to figure out the variables in the project. Can you please see what we've come up with and assist us? Independent Variable: the type of video game or other distraction. Dependent Variable: the volunteer's reaction while being distracted with the game. Controlled variables: the temperature of the ice water in the bucket for each volunteer and trial. Thank you so much!

Hi! Sounds like a fun experiment and I think your thinking is basically correct.

In general, the independent variable is controlled entirely by the experimenter, while the dependent variable depends on the independent variable. The independent variable is the main thing you're testing, while the dependent variable is what you actually measure. The controlled variables are anything you made sure to keep constant between each trial.

To identify these variables, it can help to describe the experiment you're doing in a single sentence. In your experiment, you have a volunteer put their feet in ice water while either sitting or playing a video game, and you measure the length of time they can stand the cold before they pull their feet out.

Another way to phrase it would be: Does how long they tolerate pain depend on whether or not they're playing a video game? If you're also testing several types of video games, you can modify your question to be, "Does how long the subjects tolerate pain depend on which video game they're playing?"

Hope that helps you figure out your variables!
Megan

Thank you for your help in this project! We appreciate it.

Very much impressed after reading this interesting post. Personally I believe in holistic treatments like acupressure and acupuncture. For my back pain, got couple of sessions at acupuncture in Mississauga Clinic. Helped me in overcoming terrible pain.