Answer:
3. Before the hypothesis
Explanation:
In an experiment, variables are the factors that are influencing a certain condition.
Generally, variables can be separated into three groups:
- Dependent variables
Dependent variables are the things that will be measured during an experiment
- Independent variables
Independent variables are the things that will be used to measure the dependent variables.
- Control variables
Control variables include all variables that will remain the same/constant throughout the experiment even when the independent variables are changed.
Before making the hypothesis that will explain researchers' calculated guess on why a certain condition is occurring, they need to identify each of variables that they will use to test their hypothesis. This will help them validate their hypothesis and aid them in forming conclusions by the end of the research/
