1) The independent variable is the variable the experimenter manipulates or changes, and is assumed to have a direct effect on the dependent variable.The dependent variable is the variable being tested and measured in an experiment, and is 'dependent' on the independent variable.
2) Two categories of variables that need to be controlled are internal variables and external variables. Internal variables typically consist of the variables being manipulated and measured. External variables are factors outside the scope of the experiment, such as a participant becoming sick and unable to attend.