Example #1: Can blueberries slow down aging? A study indicates that antioxidants found in blueberries may slow down the process of aging. In this study, 19-month old rats (equivalent to 60-year old humans) were fed either their standard diet or a diet supplemented by either blueberry, strawberry, or spinach powder. After eight weeks, the rats were given memory and motor tests. Although all supplemented rats showed improvement, those supplemented with blue berry powder showed the most notable improvement.
1. What is the independent variable? (diet: blueberries or no blueberries)
2. What are the dependent variables? (memory test and motor skills test)
More information on the blueberry study
Example #2: Does beta carotene protect against cancer? Beta-carotene supplements have been thought to protect against cancer. However, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests this is false. The study was conducted with 39,000 women aged 45 and up. These women were randomly assigned to receive a beta-carotene supplement or a placebo, and their health was studied over their lifetime. Cancer rates for women taking the beta-carotene supplement did not differ systematically from the cancer rates of those women taking the placebo.
1. What is the independent variable? (supplements: beta-carotene or placebo)
2. What is the dependent variable? (occurrence of cancer)