Question

Which variable is dependent and which is independent in this example? And why?

Answer 1

In a situation like this, you could easily use either as the independent variable. But the answer they are probably looking for is that miles is independent and calories is dependent.

Answer 2

Caloric content of food would be the independent variable in that case, but not in the case you posted

Answer 3

If you’re trying to decide on an answer to some HW problem, or something of the like, go with what’s more likely. If that is the case, is what you posted the *exact* wording of the question? If not, I recommend you provide the exact question, as it’d help greatly in deciding on an answer.

Simply from a human perspective, and based on questions I’ve encountered over the years, it’s much more likely that **c** is the dependent variable. But again, I’d need to see the exact wording to provide an exact answer.

Lastly, you mentioned a “packing food” scenario where yes, it does seem more intuitive for **c** to be independent rather than dependent.

So in short, what are you precisely asking? It can go either way depending on the *specific wording* of the question. If you want an answer, provide the exact wording of the question you want answered, because otherwise there are multiple answers.

Answer 4

C is DV

Answer 5

You can't just sit still and command your body to burn more calories. The act of running triggers burning more calories. Cause=independent variable. Effect=dependent variable

Answer 6

The independent variable is the one under your control. You cannot control the number of calories burned.