Please explain the relationship between a hypothesis and an experiment; how do independent and dependent variables differ?

Scientists use the Scientific Method as a systematic
approach to discovery. First, a tentative explanation is made to explain some
phenomenon, this is called the hypothesis. Second, the hypothesis must be tested by the
process we call experimentation. Simplicity is important to try and avoid influences of
variables.

If the results of the experiment support the
original hypothesis, then it is accepted as true. If not, then the hypothesis is
rejected.

If other researchers can duplicate the results of
the experiment, then the hypothesis is widely accepted. A hypothesis that has gained
high levels of confidence is considered a law or theory.