Definition:
  • An experiment in which one, and ONLY one, variable is changed, and the outcome is compared to a standard.
/ Looks like:
  • Change only ONE variable at a time to see how that affects the outcome.

Examples
In testing for the variable of RELEASE POSITION, what elements should stay the same?
  • length
  • number of seconds to count
  • mass on the bob
In testing for the variable of MASS, what elements should stay the same?
  • length
  • number of seconds to count
  • release position
In testing for the variable of LENGTH, what elements should stay the same?
  • mass on the bob
  • number of seconds to count
  • release position
/ NON-examples
Changing MORE THAN ONE VARIABLE would NOT BE A CONTROLLED experiment!!!
In the testing of release position, adding pennies to the bob would NOT BE CONTROLLED.
In the testing of mass, changing the length of the string would NOT BE CONTROLLED.
In the testing of length, changing the type of string would NOT BE CONTROLLED.