ATI TEAS Practice Science Test Related

Review ATI TEAS Practice Science Test related questions and content

In a study evaluating which type of road salt deices a road most quickly, what is the independent variable?

  • A. Deicing time period
  • B. Road used for deicing
  • C. Type of road salt used
  • D. Amount of road salt used
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Type of road salt used.' In an experiment, the independent variable is the one manipulated by the researcher to observe its impact on the dependent variable. In this study, the researchers are altering the type of road salt used to determine its influence on the deicing speed, thus making it the independent variable. The other choices are not the independent variable as they are not deliberately manipulated in the experiment: A - 'Deicing time period' is an outcome measure dependent on the type of salt used; B - 'Road used for deicing' is not controlled or manipulated; D - 'Amount of road salt used' would be a potential confounding variable rather than the independent variable as it could affect the outcome along with the type of salt.