Dr. Travis’s trial aimed to investigate the relationship between calcium intake and osteoporosis, which raises the risk of bone fractures. Accurate interpretation of the results depends on your understanding of the roles played by the variables in this experimental design.
First, the experiment’s independent variable is the amount of calcium consumed. The variable the researcher manipulates or controls to see how it affects the dependent variable is known as an independent variable. Here, Dr. Travis regulates the calcium intake to investigate its effect on the risk of osteoporosis-related bone fractures. By adjusting the amounts of calcium consumed by various groups, the researcher can evaluate how variations in calcium consumption affect bone health.
Conversely, the dependent variable is the chance of bone fractures. The outcome of the experiment is assessed and anticipated to vary due to the adjustment of the independent variable, known as a dependent variable. This study examines the relationship between varying calcium intake levels and the risk of bone fractures. Because the dependent variable depends on the independent variable, differences in calcium intake are responsible for any observed changes in the risk of bone fractures.
In other words, the data will show if a higher calcium intake is associated with a lower risk of fractures if Dr. Travis gives different participant groups different dosages of calcium and then monitors the incidence or risk of bone fractures over a predetermined length of time. The idea that calcium protects against fractures caused by osteoporosis is supported if the statistics demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in fracture risk with increased calcium intake.
Furthermore, dietary guidelines and therapies targeted at averting osteoporosis and its consequences can be developed by comprehending how these factors relate to one another. Public health activities encouraging increased calcium consumption among groups at risk for osteoporosis may result from demonstrating that a higher calcium intake lowers fracture incidence.
In conclusion, since the researcher manipulates this variable, the amount of calcium consumed in Dr. Travis’s experiment is the independent variable. Since the outcome is measured and anticipated to vary depending on calcium intake levels, the risk of bone fractures is the dependent variable. This experimental design offers crucial new information about osteoporosis prevention by demonstrating a cause-and-effect link between calcium intake and bone health.
