Which axis is dependant

Using the TV viewing distance data, you can imagine the researcher putting little pieces of tape on the floor and positioning her small experimental subjects at just the right distance Personally, I still mix up right and left, and I find the words "dependent" and "independent" a little confusing. So I think "cause" the x variable and "effect" the y variable. This is not exactly right and will make some scientists apoplectic, but as a sort of memory aid, it might help you too.

Type "x" for the data that should go on the x axis, "y" for the y-axis data, and "n" if the data should NOT be used in a graph. The independent variable belongs on the x-axis horizontal line of the graph and the dependent variable belongs on the y-axis vertical line. The x and y axes cross at a point referred to as the origin , where the coordinates are 0,0.

In graphs with only positive values for x and y, the origin is in the lower left corner. Each axis needs a scale to show the range of the data on that axis.

The low end of the scale may be zero or a round number value slightly smaller than the smallest data point. The high end of the scale is usually a round number value slightly larger than the largest data point.

The scale is measured off in major and minor tick marks. Typically the scale runs from low to high in easily counted multiples like 10s, 50s, s, etc.

When graphs are compared side-by-side, consider scaling them to the same data range to make comparisons easier. Each axis needs a descriptive axis label indicating which variable is represented. For example, the y-axis label might read "Total Rainfall" and the x-axis label might read "Month".

If you are measuring time, you must include the units as well as the numeric values so people will know if you are talking about seconds, minutes, hours, days, years, etc. Independent Variable : a variable whose value does not depend on the other variable. It is the "cause" variable. It is the controlling variable or manipulated variable. If time is one of the variables in a situation it is usually the independent variable. Dependent Variable : a variable whose value depends on the independent variable.

It is the "effect" variable. It is the responding variable. Matching page. Write the numbers in your journal and write the word dependent or independent for each part of the situation next to the number. The days of posting a newsletter around the neighborhood are over. Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications, and increase engagement.

Log In. Back Smore Beautiful and easy to use newsletters. Module 2: Graphing Styles and Interpreting Graphs. Search for:. X-Axis vs. Y-Axis Information For any data set you are going to graph, you have to decide which of the two variables you are going to put on the x-axis and which one you are going to put on the y-axis.

Lab 2 Exercises 2. You are testing the toxicity of a new drug.