Question

independent variable
factor being tested in an experiment that is changed by investigator; labeled on the x-axis
observations that are descriptive and involve using your senses to gather information
a logical explanation of an observation based on prior knowledge and experience
exploration and investigation of the natural world

Explanation:

To determine the correct description for the independent variable, we analyze each option:

1. Red box: "factor being tested in an experiment that is changed by investigator; labeled on the X - axis" – In experimental design, the independent variable is the factor the researcher manipulates (e.g., amount of fertilizer in a plant growth experiment), and it is plotted on the X - axis of a graph.
2. Orange box: Describes "qualitative observation" (using senses to gather descriptive info), not an independent variable.
3. Green box: Describes a "hypothesis" (a logical explanation based on prior knowledge), not an independent variable.
4. Blue box: Describes "science" (exploration of the natural world), not an independent variable.

The independent variable in an experiment is the factor manipulated by the investigator and is plotted on the X - axis. The red - boxed description matches this definition, while the other boxes describe qualitative observation, hypothesis, and science respectively.

Answer:

The correct description for the independent variable is the one in the red box: "factor being tested in an experiment that is changed by investigator; labeled on the X - axis"