A study was done to find if different tire treads affect the braking distance of a car. 1. Tire treads are the independent variable. 2. The braking distance is the dependent variable. 3. This is a valid experiment.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Yes, this is a valid experiment.
In experimental design, identifying the independent and dependent variables is key to understanding how to analyze the relationship between factors. In this case:
- Independent Variable (Tire Treads): This is the factor being tested and manipulated in the experiment. The different types of tire treads are considered independent because they are what the experimenter is changing or comparing to see how they affect the outcome. Tire tread designs can vary in many ways (e.g., deep vs. shallow grooves, patterns, and materials), and this variation is what the study aims to explore.
- Dependent Variable (Braking Distance): The dependent variable is the outcome that is measured in the experiment. In this case, it is the braking distance of the car. The braking distance depends on various factors, and the study is interested in determining if tire tread design is one of them. The braking distance is observed and recorded after applying the different tire treads to the car.
For the experiment to be valid, it needs to ensure that other potential influencing factors are controlled or accounted for, such as road conditions, car type, and weather conditions, to isolate the effect of tire treads. This type of control ensures that any changes in the braking distance are due to the tire treads and not other variables.
Additionally, a valid experiment requires proper randomization and replication. The study should test a sufficient number of cars with various tire treads and measure the braking distance multiple times to ensure reliable results. The experiment should also include a control group, perhaps using standard tire treads, for comparison.
By focusing on how different tire treads influence braking distance, the experiment can provide useful insights for car safety and performance.
