Variables, often called factors, are elements that can change or vary in an experiment or study. They are important because they help researchers understand how different conditions affect outcomes. For example, in a study about plant growth, the amount of sunlight and water are variables that can influence how tall the plants grow. In statistics, variables can be classified into different types, such as independent variables and dependent variables. The independent variable is what the researcher changes, while the dependent variable is what is measured. Understanding these variables helps scientists and researchers draw meaningful conclusions from their data.