Re: [Phys-l] Independent Variables

[<carmelo@pacific.net.sg>]

Peter Craft wrote:
> I was discussing independent and dependent variables with my physics
> students in a recent class.  No matter how I approached the subject a
> number of them asked questions that showed they were having difficulty with
> identifying the independent and dependent variable in a number of cases.
>
> Have others struck this difficulty?  If so, what approaches have you used
> to clarify this issue for students?  

I prefer manipulated variable instead of independent variable. Or just state it as independent (manipulated) variable.

You may explain that the variables are all inter-related, and the phrase "independent variable" can be misleading.


Alphonsus