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Variables in Research – Definition, Types and Examples
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Variables in Research
Definition:
In Research, Variables refer to characteristics or attributes that can be measured, manipulated, or controlled. They are the factors that researchers observe or manipulate to understand the relationship between them and the outcomes of interest.
Types of Variables in Research
Types of Variables in Research are as follows:
Independent Variable
This is the variable that is manipulated by the researcher. It is also known as the predictor variable, as it is used to predict changes in the dependent variable. Examples of independent variables include age, gender, dosage, and treatment type.
Dependent Variable
This is the variable that is measured or observed to determine the effects of the independent variable. It is also known as the outcome variable, as it is the variable that is affected by the independent variable. Examples of dependent variables include blood pressure, test scores, and reaction time.
Confounding Variable
This is a variable that can affect the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable. It is a variable that is not being studied but could impact the results of the study. For example, in a study on the effects of a new drug on a disease, a confounding variable could be the patient’s age, as older patients may have more severe symptoms.
Mediating Variable
This is a variable that explains the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable. It is a variable that comes in between the independent and dependent variables and is affected by the independent variable, which then affects the dependent variable. For example, in a study on the relationship between exercise and weight loss, the mediating variable could be metabolism, as exercise can increase metabolism, which can then lead to weight loss.
Moderator Variable
This is a variable that affects the strength or direction of the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable. It is a variable that influences the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. For example, in a study on the effects of caffeine on cognitive performance, the moderator variable could be age, as older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than younger adults.
Control Variable
This is a variable that is held constant or controlled by the researcher to ensure that it does not affect the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable. Control variables are important to ensure that any observed effects are due to the independent variable and not to other factors. For example, in a study on the effects of a new teaching method on student performance, the control variables could include class size, teacher experience, and student demographics.
Continuous Variable
This is a variable that can take on any value within a certain range. Continuous variables can be measured on a scale and are often used in statistical analyses. Examples of continuous variables include height, weight, and temperature.
Categorical Variable
This is a variable that can take on a limited number of values or categories. Categorical variables can be nominal or ordinal. Nominal variables have no inherent order, while ordinal variables have a natural order. Examples of categorical variables include gender, race, and educational level.
Discrete Variable
This is a variable that can only take on specific values. Discrete variables are often used in counting or frequency analyses. Examples of discrete variables include the number of siblings a person has, the number of times a person exercises in a week, and the number of students in a classroom.
Dummy Variable
This is a variable that takes on only two values, typically 0 and 1, and is used to represent categorical variables in statistical analyses. Dummy variables are often used when a categorical variable cannot be used directly in an analysis. For example, in a study on the effects of gender on income, a dummy variable could be created, with 0 representing female and 1 representing male.
Extraneous Variable
This is a variable that has no relationship with the independent or dependent variable but can affect the outcome of the study. Extraneous variables can lead to erroneous conclusions and can be controlled through random assignment or statistical techniques.
Latent Variable
This is a variable that cannot be directly observed or measured, but is inferred from other variables. Latent variables are often used in psychological or social research to represent constructs such as personality traits, attitudes, or beliefs.
Moderator-mediator Variable
This is a variable that acts both as a moderator and a mediator. It can moderate the relationship between the independent and dependent variables and also mediate the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Moderator-mediator variables are often used in complex statistical analyses.
Variables Analysis Methods
There are different methods to analyze variables in research, including:
- Descriptive statistics: This involves analyzing and summarizing data using measures such as mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, and frequency distribution. Descriptive statistics are useful for understanding the basic characteristics of a data set.
- Inferential statistics : This involves making inferences about a population based on sample data. Inferential statistics use techniques such as hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and regression analysis to draw conclusions from data.
- Correlation analysis: This involves examining the relationship between two or more variables. Correlation analysis can determine the strength and direction of the relationship between variables, and can be used to make predictions about future outcomes.
- Regression analysis: This involves examining the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable. Regression analysis can be used to predict the value of the dependent variable based on the value of the independent variable, and can also determine the significance of the relationship between the two variables.
- Factor analysis: This involves identifying patterns and relationships among a large number of variables. Factor analysis can be used to reduce the complexity of a data set and identify underlying factors or dimensions.
- Cluster analysis: This involves grouping data into clusters based on similarities between variables. Cluster analysis can be used to identify patterns or segments within a data set, and can be useful for market segmentation or customer profiling.
- Multivariate analysis : This involves analyzing multiple variables simultaneously. Multivariate analysis can be used to understand complex relationships between variables, and can be useful in fields such as social science, finance, and marketing.
Examples of Variables
- Age : This is a continuous variable that represents the age of an individual in years.
- Gender : This is a categorical variable that represents the biological sex of an individual and can take on values such as male and female.
- Education level: This is a categorical variable that represents the level of education completed by an individual and can take on values such as high school, college, and graduate school.
- Income : This is a continuous variable that represents the amount of money earned by an individual in a year.
- Weight : This is a continuous variable that represents the weight of an individual in kilograms or pounds.
- Ethnicity : This is a categorical variable that represents the ethnic background of an individual and can take on values such as Hispanic, African American, and Asian.
- Time spent on social media : This is a continuous variable that represents the amount of time an individual spends on social media in minutes or hours per day.
- Marital status: This is a categorical variable that represents the marital status of an individual and can take on values such as married, divorced, and single.
- Blood pressure : This is a continuous variable that represents the force of blood against the walls of arteries in millimeters of mercury.
- Job satisfaction : This is a continuous variable that represents an individual’s level of satisfaction with their job and can be measured using a Likert scale.
Applications of Variables
Variables are used in many different applications across various fields. Here are some examples:
- Scientific research: Variables are used in scientific research to understand the relationships between different factors and to make predictions about future outcomes. For example, scientists may study the effects of different variables on plant growth or the impact of environmental factors on animal behavior.
- Business and marketing: Variables are used in business and marketing to understand customer behavior and to make decisions about product development and marketing strategies. For example, businesses may study variables such as consumer preferences, spending habits, and market trends to identify opportunities for growth.
- Healthcare : Variables are used in healthcare to monitor patient health and to make treatment decisions. For example, doctors may use variables such as blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol levels to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease.
- Education : Variables are used in education to measure student performance and to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching strategies. For example, teachers may use variables such as test scores, attendance, and class participation to assess student learning.
- Social sciences : Variables are used in social sciences to study human behavior and to understand the factors that influence social interactions. For example, sociologists may study variables such as income, education level, and family structure to examine patterns of social inequality.
Purpose of Variables
Variables serve several purposes in research, including:
- To provide a way of measuring and quantifying concepts: Variables help researchers measure and quantify abstract concepts such as attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions. By assigning numerical values to these concepts, researchers can analyze and compare data to draw meaningful conclusions.
- To help explain relationships between different factors: Variables help researchers identify and explain relationships between different factors. By analyzing how changes in one variable affect another variable, researchers can gain insight into the complex interplay between different factors.
- To make predictions about future outcomes : Variables help researchers make predictions about future outcomes based on past observations. By analyzing patterns and relationships between different variables, researchers can make informed predictions about how different factors may affect future outcomes.
- To test hypotheses: Variables help researchers test hypotheses and theories. By collecting and analyzing data on different variables, researchers can test whether their predictions are accurate and whether their hypotheses are supported by the evidence.
Characteristics of Variables
Characteristics of Variables are as follows:
- Measurement : Variables can be measured using different scales, such as nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio scales. The scale used to measure a variable can affect the type of statistical analysis that can be applied.
- Range : Variables have a range of values that they can take on. The range can be finite, such as the number of students in a class, or infinite, such as the range of possible values for a continuous variable like temperature.
- Variability : Variables can have different levels of variability, which refers to the degree to which the values of the variable differ from each other. Highly variable variables have a wide range of values, while low variability variables have values that are more similar to each other.
- Validity and reliability : Variables should be both valid and reliable to ensure accurate and consistent measurement. Validity refers to the extent to which a variable measures what it is intended to measure, while reliability refers to the consistency of the measurement over time.
- Directionality: Some variables have directionality, meaning that the relationship between the variables is not symmetrical. For example, in a study of the relationship between smoking and lung cancer, smoking is the independent variable and lung cancer is the dependent variable.
Advantages of Variables
Here are some of the advantages of using variables in research:
- Control : Variables allow researchers to control the effects of external factors that could influence the outcome of the study. By manipulating and controlling variables, researchers can isolate the effects of specific factors and measure their impact on the outcome.
- Replicability : Variables make it possible for other researchers to replicate the study and test its findings. By defining and measuring variables consistently, other researchers can conduct similar studies to validate the original findings.
- Accuracy : Variables make it possible to measure phenomena accurately and objectively. By defining and measuring variables precisely, researchers can reduce bias and increase the accuracy of their findings.
- Generalizability : Variables allow researchers to generalize their findings to larger populations. By selecting variables that are representative of the population, researchers can draw conclusions that are applicable to a broader range of individuals.
- Clarity : Variables help researchers to communicate their findings more clearly and effectively. By defining and categorizing variables, researchers can organize and present their findings in a way that is easily understandable to others.
Disadvantages of Variables
Here are some of the main disadvantages of using variables in research:
- Simplification : Variables may oversimplify the complexity of real-world phenomena. By breaking down a phenomenon into variables, researchers may lose important information and context, which can affect the accuracy and generalizability of their findings.
- Measurement error : Variables rely on accurate and precise measurement, and measurement error can affect the reliability and validity of research findings. The use of subjective or poorly defined variables can also introduce measurement error into the study.
- Confounding variables : Confounding variables are factors that are not measured but that affect the relationship between the variables of interest. If confounding variables are not accounted for, they can distort or obscure the relationship between the variables of interest.
- Limited scope: Variables are defined by the researcher, and the scope of the study is therefore limited by the researcher’s choice of variables. This can lead to a narrow focus that overlooks important aspects of the phenomenon being studied.
- Ethical concerns: The selection and measurement of variables may raise ethical concerns, especially in studies involving human subjects. For example, using variables that are related to sensitive topics, such as race or sexuality, may raise concerns about privacy and discrimination.
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What are Examples of Variables in Research?
Table of contents, introduction.
In writing your thesis, one of the first terms that you encounter is the word variable. Failure to understand the meaning and the usefulness of variables in your study will prevent you from doing excellent research. What are variables, and how do you use variables in your research?
I explain this key research concept below with lots of examples of variables commonly used in a study.
You may find it challenging to understand just what variables are in research, especially those that deal with quantitative data analysis. This initial difficulty about variables becomes much more confusing when you encounter the phrases “dependent variable” and “independent variable” as you go deeper in studying this vital concept of research, as well as statistics.
Therefore, it is a must that you should be able to grasp thoroughly the meaning of variables and ways on how to measure them. Yes, the variables should be measurable so that you will use your data for statistical analysis.
I will strengthen your understanding by providing examples of phenomena and their corresponding variables below.
Definition of Variable
Variables are those simplified portions of the complex phenomena that you intend to study. The word variable is derived from the root word “vary,” meaning, changing in amount, volume, number, form, nature, or type. These variables should be measurable, i.e., they can be counted or subjected to a scale.
Examples of Variables in Research: 6 Phenomena
The following are examples of phenomena from a global to a local perspective. The corresponding list of variables is given to illustrate how complex phenomena can be broken down into manageable pieces for better understanding and to subject the phenomena to research.
Phenomenon 1: Climate change
Examples of variables related to climate change :
Phenomenon 2: Crime and violence in the streets
Phenomenon 3: poor performance of students in college entrance exams.
Examples of variables related to poor academic performance :
Phenomenon 4: Fish kill
Examples of variables related to fish kill :
Phenomenon 5: Poor crop growth
Examples of variables related to poor crop growth :
Phenomenon 6: How Content Goes Viral
Notice in the above variable examples that all the factors listed under the phenomena can be counted or measured using an ordinal, ratio, or interval scale, except for the last one. The factors that influence how content goes viral are essentially subjective.
Thus, the variables in the last phenomenon represent the nominal scale of measuring variables .
The expected values derived from these variables will be in terms of numbers, amount, category, or type. Quantified variables allow statistical analysis . Variable descriptions, correlations, or differences are then determined.
Difference Between Independent and Dependent Variables
Independent variables.
For example, in the second phenomenon, i.e., crime and violence in the streets, the independent variables are the number of law enforcers. If there are more law enforcers, it is expected that it will reduce the following:
The five variables listed under crime and violence in the streets as the theme of a study are all dependent variables.
Dependent Variables
For example, in the first phenomenon on climate change, temperature as the independent variable influences sea level rise, the dependent variable. Increased temperature will cause the expansion of water in the sea. Thus, sea-level rise on a global scale will occur.
I will leave the classification of the other variables to you. Find out whether those are independent or dependent variables. Note, however, that some variables can be both independent or dependent variables, as the context of the study dictates.
Finding the relationship between variables
How will you know that one variable may cause the other to behave in a certain way?
Finding the relationship between variables requires a thorough review of the literature . Through a review of the relevant and reliable literature, you will find out which variables influence the other variable. You do not just guess relationships between variables. The entire process is the essence of research.
At this point, I believe that the concept of the variable is now clear to you. Share this information with your peers, who may have difficulty in understanding what the variables are in research.
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How to conduct a focus group discussion, how to improve long term memory: 5 unique tips, conceptual framework: a step-by-step guide on how to make one, about the author, patrick regoniel, 128 comments.
Your question is unclear to me Biyaminu. What do you mean? If you want to cite this, see the citation box after the article.
I salute your work, before I was have no enough knowledge about variable I think I was claimed from my lecturers, but the real meaning I was in the mid night. thanks
thanks for the explanation a bout variables. keep on posting information a bout reseach on my email.
You can see in the last part of the above article an explanation about dependent and independent variables.
I am requested to write 50 variables in my research as per my topic which is about street vending. I am really clueless.
Dear Alhaji, just be clear about what you want to do. Your research question must be clearly stated before you build your conceptual framework.
Can you please give me what are the possible variables in terms of installation of street lights along barangay roads of calauan, laguna: an assessment?
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- Types of Variables in Research | Definitions & Examples
Types of Variables in Research | Definitions & Examples
Published on 19 September 2022 by Rebecca Bevans . Revised on 28 November 2022.
In statistical research, a variable is defined as an attribute of an object of study. Choosing which variables to measure is central to good experimental design .
You need to know which types of variables you are working with in order to choose appropriate statistical tests and interpret the results of your study.
You can usually identify the type of variable by asking two questions:
- What type of data does the variable contain?
- What part of the experiment does the variable represent?
Table of contents
Types of data: quantitative vs categorical variables, parts of the experiment: independent vs dependent variables, other common types of variables, frequently asked questions about variables.
Data is a specific measurement of a variable – it is the value you record in your data sheet. Data is generally divided into two categories:
- Quantitative data represents amounts.
- Categorical data represents groupings.
A variable that contains quantitative data is a quantitative variable ; a variable that contains categorical data is a categorical variable . Each of these types of variable can be broken down into further types.
Quantitative variables
When you collect quantitative data, the numbers you record represent real amounts that can be added, subtracted, divided, etc. There are two types of quantitative variables: discrete and continuous .
Type of variable | What does the data represent? | Examples |
---|---|---|
Discrete variables (aka integer variables) | Counts of individual items or values. | |
Continuous variables (aka ratio variables) | Measurements of continuous or non-finite values. |
Categorical variables
Categorical variables represent groupings of some kind. They are sometimes recorded as numbers, but the numbers represent categories rather than actual amounts of things.
There are three types of categorical variables: binary , nominal , and ordinal variables.
Type of variable | What does the data represent? | Examples |
---|---|---|
Binary variables (aka dichotomous variables) | Yes/no outcomes. | |
Nominal variables | Groups with no rank or order between them. | |
Ordinal variables | Groups that are ranked in a specific order. |
*Note that sometimes a variable can work as more than one type! An ordinal variable can also be used as a quantitative variable if the scale is numeric and doesn’t need to be kept as discrete integers. For example, star ratings on product reviews are ordinal (1 to 5 stars), but the average star rating is quantitative.
Example data sheet
To keep track of your salt-tolerance experiment, you make a data sheet where you record information about the variables in the experiment, like salt addition and plant health.
To gather information about plant responses over time, you can fill out the same data sheet every few days until the end of the experiment. This example sheet is colour-coded according to the type of variable: nominal , continuous , ordinal , and binary .
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Experiments are usually designed to find out what effect one variable has on another – in our example, the effect of salt addition on plant growth.
You manipulate the independent variable (the one you think might be the cause ) and then measure the dependent variable (the one you think might be the effect ) to find out what this effect might be.
You will probably also have variables that you hold constant ( control variables ) in order to focus on your experimental treatment.
Type of variable | Definition | Example (salt tolerance experiment) |
---|---|---|
Independent variables (aka treatment variables) | Variables you manipulate in order to affect the outcome of an experiment. | The amount of salt added to each plant’s water. |
Dependent variables (aka response variables) | Variables that represent the outcome of the experiment. | Any measurement of plant health and growth: in this case, plant height and wilting. |
Control variables | Variables that are held constant throughout the experiment. | The temperature and light in the room the plants are kept in, and the volume of water given to each plant. |
In this experiment, we have one independent and three dependent variables.
The other variables in the sheet can’t be classified as independent or dependent, but they do contain data that you will need in order to interpret your dependent and independent variables.
What about correlational research?
When you do correlational research , the terms ‘dependent’ and ‘independent’ don’t apply, because you are not trying to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
However, there might be cases where one variable clearly precedes the other (for example, rainfall leads to mud, rather than the other way around). In these cases, you may call the preceding variable (i.e., the rainfall) the predictor variable and the following variable (i.e., the mud) the outcome variable .
Once you have defined your independent and dependent variables and determined whether they are categorical or quantitative, you will be able to choose the correct statistical test .
But there are many other ways of describing variables that help with interpreting your results. Some useful types of variable are listed below.
Type of variable | Definition | Example (salt tolerance experiment) |
---|---|---|
A variable that hides the true effect of another variable in your experiment. This can happen when another variable is closely related to a variable you are interested in, but you haven’t controlled it in your experiment. | Pot size and soil type might affect plant survival as much as or more than salt additions. In an experiment, you would control these potential confounders by holding them constant. | |
Latent variables | A variable that can’t be directly measured, but that you represent via a proxy. | Salt tolerance in plants cannot be measured directly, but can be inferred from measurements of plant health in our salt-addition experiment. |
Composite variables | A variable that is made by combining multiple variables in an experiment. These variables are created when you analyse data, not when you measure it. | The three plant-health variables could be combined into a single plant-health score to make it easier to present your findings. |
A confounding variable is closely related to both the independent and dependent variables in a study. An independent variable represents the supposed cause , while the dependent variable is the supposed effect . A confounding variable is a third variable that influences both the independent and dependent variables.
Failing to account for confounding variables can cause you to wrongly estimate the relationship between your independent and dependent variables.
Discrete and continuous variables are two types of quantitative variables :
- Discrete variables represent counts (e.g., the number of objects in a collection).
- Continuous variables represent measurable amounts (e.g., water volume or weight).
You can think of independent and dependent variables in terms of cause and effect: an independent variable is the variable you think is the cause , while a dependent variable is the effect .
In an experiment, you manipulate the independent variable and measure the outcome in the dependent variable. For example, in an experiment about the effect of nutrients on crop growth:
- The independent variable is the amount of nutrients added to the crop field.
- The dependent variable is the biomass of the crops at harvest time.
Defining your variables, and deciding how you will manipulate and measure them, is an important part of experimental design .
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Definitions
Dependent Variable The variable that depends on other factors that are measured. These variables are expected to change as a result of an experimental manipulation of the independent variable or variables. It is the presumed effect.
Independent Variable The variable that is stable and unaffected by the other variables you are trying to measure. It refers to the condition of an experiment that is systematically manipulated by the investigator. It is the presumed cause.
Cramer, Duncan and Dennis Howitt. The SAGE Dictionary of Statistics . London: SAGE, 2004; Penslar, Robin Levin and Joan P. Porter. Institutional Review Board Guidebook: Introduction . Washington, DC: United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2010; "What are Dependent and Independent Variables?" Graphic Tutorial.
Identifying Dependent and Independent Variables
Don't feel bad if you are confused about what is the dependent variable and what is the independent variable in social and behavioral sciences research . However, it's important that you learn the difference because framing a study using these variables is a common approach to organizing the elements of a social sciences research study in order to discover relevant and meaningful results. Specifically, it is important for these two reasons:
- You need to understand and be able to evaluate their application in other people's research.
- You need to apply them correctly in your own research.
A variable in research simply refers to a person, place, thing, or phenomenon that you are trying to measure in some way. The best way to understand the difference between a dependent and independent variable is that the meaning of each is implied by what the words tell us about the variable you are using. You can do this with a simple exercise from the website, Graphic Tutorial. Take the sentence, "The [independent variable] causes a change in [dependent variable] and it is not possible that [dependent variable] could cause a change in [independent variable]." Insert the names of variables you are using in the sentence in the way that makes the most sense. This will help you identify each type of variable. If you're still not sure, consult with your professor before you begin to write.
Fan, Shihe. "Independent Variable." In Encyclopedia of Research Design. Neil J. Salkind, editor. (Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2010), pp. 592-594; "What are Dependent and Independent Variables?" Graphic Tutorial; Salkind, Neil J. "Dependent Variable." In Encyclopedia of Research Design , Neil J. Salkind, editor. (Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2010), pp. 348-349;
Structure and Writing Style
The process of examining a research problem in the social and behavioral sciences is often framed around methods of analysis that compare, contrast, correlate, average, or integrate relationships between or among variables . Techniques include associations, sampling, random selection, and blind selection. Designation of the dependent and independent variable involves unpacking the research problem in a way that identifies a general cause and effect and classifying these variables as either independent or dependent.
The variables should be outlined in the introduction of your paper and explained in more detail in the methods section . There are no rules about the structure and style for writing about independent or dependent variables but, as with any academic writing, clarity and being succinct is most important.
After you have described the research problem and its significance in relation to prior research, explain why you have chosen to examine the problem using a method of analysis that investigates the relationships between or among independent and dependent variables . State what it is about the research problem that lends itself to this type of analysis. For example, if you are investigating the relationship between corporate environmental sustainability efforts [the independent variable] and dependent variables associated with measuring employee satisfaction at work using a survey instrument, you would first identify each variable and then provide background information about the variables. What is meant by "environmental sustainability"? Are you looking at a particular company [e.g., General Motors] or are you investigating an industry [e.g., the meat packing industry]? Why is employee satisfaction in the workplace important? How does a company make their employees aware of sustainability efforts and why would a company even care that its employees know about these efforts?
Identify each variable for the reader and define each . In the introduction, this information can be presented in a paragraph or two when you describe how you are going to study the research problem. In the methods section, you build on the literature review of prior studies about the research problem to describe in detail background about each variable, breaking each down for measurement and analysis. For example, what activities do you examine that reflect a company's commitment to environmental sustainability? Levels of employee satisfaction can be measured by a survey that asks about things like volunteerism or a desire to stay at the company for a long time.
The structure and writing style of describing the variables and their application to analyzing the research problem should be stated and unpacked in such a way that the reader obtains a clear understanding of the relationships between the variables and why they are important. This is also important so that the study can be replicated in the future using the same variables but applied in a different way.
Fan, Shihe. "Independent Variable." In Encyclopedia of Research Design. Neil J. Salkind, editor. (Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2010), pp. 592-594; "What are Dependent and Independent Variables?" Graphic Tutorial; “Case Example for Independent and Dependent Variables.” ORI Curriculum Examples. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Research Integrity; Salkind, Neil J. "Dependent Variable." In Encyclopedia of Research Design , Neil J. Salkind, editor. (Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2010), pp. 348-349; “Independent Variables and Dependent Variables.” Karl L. Wuensch, Department of Psychology, East Carolina University [posted email exchange]; “Variables.” Elements of Research. Dr. Camille Nebeker, San Diego State University.
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Types of Variables – A Comprehensive Guide
Published by Carmen Troy at August 14th, 2021 , Revised On October 26, 2023
A variable is any qualitative or quantitative characteristic that can change and have more than one value, such as age, height, weight, gender, etc.
Before conducting research, it’s essential to know what needs to be measured or analysed and choose a suitable statistical test to present your study’s findings.
In most cases, you can do it by identifying the key issues/variables related to your research’s main topic.
Example: If you want to test whether the hybridisation of plants harms the health of people. You can use the key variables like agricultural techniques, type of soil, environmental factors, types of pesticides used, the process of hybridisation, type of yield obtained after hybridisation, type of yield without hybridisation, etc.
Variables are broadly categorised into:
- Independent variables
- Dependent variable
- Control variable
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Types of variables Understanding the types of variables you are investigating in your dissertation is necessary for all types of quantitative research design, whether you using an experimental, quasi-experimental, relationship-based or descriptive research design. When you carry out your dissertation, you may need to measure, manipulate and/or control the variables you are investigating. In ...
Variables can be defined by the type of data (quantitative or categorical) and by the part of the experiment (independent or dependent).
Variables are the building blocks of scientific inquiry, representing the factors or characteristics that can change or vary within an experiment or study. A deep understanding of variables is crucial for designing, conducting, and analyzing research effectively. In this article, we break down the complex concept of variables in scientific research, offering insights into their roles and ...
Types of Variables in Research Types of Variables in Research are as follows: Independent Variable This is the variable that is manipulated by the researcher. It is also known as the predictor variable, as it is used to predict changes in the dependent variable. Examples of independent variables include age, gender, dosage, and treatment type. Dependent Variable This is the variable that is ...
Learn about the most popular variables in scientific research, including independent, dependent, control, moderating and mediating variables.
The independent variable is the cause. Its value is independent of other variables in your study. The dependent variable is the effect. Its value depends on changes in the independent variable. Example: Independent and dependent variables. You design a study to test whether changes in room temperature have an effect on math test scores.
Introduction In writing your thesis, one of the first terms that you encounter is the word variable. Failure to understand the meaning and the usefulness of variables in your study will prevent you from doing excellent research. What are variables, and how do you use variables in your research?
Types of data: Quantitative vs categorical variables Data is a specific measurement of a variable - it is the value you record in your data sheet. Data is generally divided into two categories: Quantitative data represents amounts. Categorical data represents groupings.
Identifying Dependent and Independent Variables Don't feel bad if you are confused about what is the dependent variable and what is the independent variable in social and behavioral sciences research. However, it's important that you learn the difference because framing a study using these variables is a common approach to organizing the elements of a social sciences research study in order to ...
Explore different types of variables with our comprehensive guide. Learn the definitions, examples and usage of Types of Variables.
Types of variables for Dissertation Data Analysis While conducting a research, you will need to gather vast amount of data for analysis. Data analysis is the fourth chapter of a dissertation and is the means through which you can prove the theory that you have proposed in the introduction and literature review. A research work can make use of different types of variables for analyzing data ...
This chapter explores the use of variables in research, types of variables and the definition of terms, so as to help some of the students who have a problem identifying and clarifying the ...
You attach numbers to your dissertation variables in an effort to measure them and apply statistics to them when you use your instruments. Categorical variables have different categories and each category takes on a whole number or integer to represent it.
a comprehensive overview, and as such is helpful in making sure that at a glance you understand up front the necessary elements that will constitute each section of your dissertation. This broad overview is a prelude to the steps involved in each of the chapters that are described and demonstrated in Part II. While certain elements are common to most dissertations, please note that ...
Learn how to write up the quantitative results/findings/analysis chapter for your dissertation or thesis. Step-by-step guide + examples.
Definition Quantitative Research is a "means for testing objective theories by examining the relationships among variables. These variables, in turn, can be measured, typically on instruments, so that numbered data can be analyzed using statistical procedures. The final written report has a set structure consisting of introduction, literature and theory, methods, results and discussion ...
At this point, the Lærd Dissertation site focuses on the use of concepts, constructs and variables in quantitative research. Therefore, if you are unsure what constructs are, their purpose in dissertations, and how they should be used, you may want to start with the article: Constructs in quantitative dissertations. You can also learn more about variables in the section on Types of variables ...
As you should have identified in STEP THREE: Research methods, and in the article, Types of variables, in the Fundamentals part of Lærd Dissertation, (a) not all data is the same, and (b) not all variables are measured in the same way (i.e., variables can be dichotomous, ordinal or continuous). In addition, not all data is normal, nor is the ...
A dissertation is a long-form piece of academic writing based on original research conducted by you. It is usually submitted as the final step in order to finish a PhD program. Your dissertation is probably the longest piece of writing you've ever completed. It requires solid research, writing, and analysis skills, and it can be intimidating ...
However, understanding statistical results is crucial when you're conducting quantitative research for your dissertation. In this blog post, we will outline a step-by-step guide to help you get started with interpreting the results of statistical analysis for your dissertation.
By varying the level of the independent variable and observing associated changes in the dependent variable, a researcher can conclude whether the independent variable affects the dependent variable or not.
A research hypothesis (or scientific hypothesis) is a statement about an expected relationship between variables, or explanation of an occurrence, that is clear, specific and testable. So, when you write up hypotheses for your dissertation or thesis, make sure that they meet all these criteria.
variable is a characteristic that takes on different values or conditions for different individuals. Independent and dependent variables are descriptors of variables commonly used in educational research.