Lesson 2: Variables in Research

In research, variables are elements, factors, or conditions that can change or vary within a study.
They are crucial because they are what researchers manipulate or measure to observe relationships,
effects, or patterns. The role of variables depends on the research design and hypothesis.

Types of Variables:

1. Independent Variable (IV)

o The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated or controlled by the

researcher to examine its effect on another variable.

o In experimental research, the independent variable is what you change to observe its
impact.

o Example: In a study examining the effect of study time on exam scores, the independent
variable could be the amount of time spent studying.

2. Dependent Variable (DV)

o The dependent variable is the outcome or the factor that is measured in response to
the changes in the independent variable.

o It "depends" on the independent variable and is what the researcher seeks to explain or
predict.

o Example: In the same study, the dependent variable would be the exam scores, which
may change depending on how much time was spent studying.

3. Control Variables

o These are variables that researchers keep constant or control to ensure that any
observed effect on the dependent variable is due to the manipulation of the
independent variable alone.

o Control variables help avoid confounding results.

o Example: In the study of study time and exam scores, control variables could include age,
gender, or prior knowledge of the subject, as these factors could influence exam
performance.

4. Extraneous Variables

o These are variables that could potentially affect the dependent variable but are not
part of the research design.

o If not controlled, they may introduce error or noise into the results.

o Example: In the same study, extraneous variables might include background noise in the
study environment or distractions that aren't controlled but could influence study
effectiveness.
 5. Confounding Variables

o Confounding variables are a specific type of extraneous variable that distorts the
relationship between the independent and dependent variables. They are variables
that the researcher may not have considered, but that affect both the independent
and dependent variables.

o Example: In the study of study time and exam scores, a confounding variable could be
motivation, as students with higher motivation may study longer and also perform
better on exams, complicating the relationship between study time and scores.

6. Moderating Variables

o A moderating variable is one that affects the strength or direction of the relationship
between an independent and dependent variable.

o Example: In a study of exercise (independent variable) and weight loss (dependent

variable), a moderating variable might be age, which could influence how strongly
exercise impacts weight loss in different age groups.

7. Mediating Variables

o A mediating variable explains how or why the independent variable affects the
dependent variable. It is the mechanism through which the independent variable
influences the dependent variable.

o Example: In a study on the effect of stress (independent variable) on health (dependent

variable), a mediating variable might be sleeping quality, which could explain how stress
negatively impacts health.

Summary of Key Variable Types:

Variable Type Description Example

Manipulated or controlled to test its effect on

Independent Variable Study time, treatment type
the DV

Dependent Variable Measured to observe changes due to the IV Exam score, health outcome

Constant to prevent them from influencing the

Control Variables Age, gender, prior knowledge
DV

Uncontrolled factors that could interfere with

Extraneous Variables Background noise, weather
results

Confounding
Distorts the relationship between IV and DV Motivation, intelligence
Variables

Affects the strength or direction of IV-DV

Moderating Variables Age, socioeconomic status
relationship
Variable Type Description Example

Sleep quality, coping

Mediating Variables Explains how or why the IV affects the DV
mechanisms

Understanding and identifying variables is essential for conducting clear and valid research, as
they allow researchers to test hypotheses and draw conclusions from the study.

We measure your comprehension from the discussion by making Activity 1.

Activity 1: Identifying Independent and Dependent Variables in Research Titles

Objective: Students will analyze research titles and identify the independent and dependent variables
based on the context of the study.

Procedure: Make a table with 3 columns, that is, titles for the 3 columns are 1 st Research Title, 2nd,
Independent Variable; and 3rd column, Dependent Variable.

List of Research Titles

1. The Impact of Social Media Usage on the Academic Performance of Senior High School Students
2. The Effect of Daily Exercise on the Mental Health of Teenagers
3. Effect of Sleep Deprivation on the Academic Performance of Senior High School Students
4. The Influence of Music on Study Habits of Students During Examination
5. The Relationship Between Smartphone Use and Sleep Quality Among Teenagers
6. Effect of Different Types of Study Techniques Affect Test Scores in Senior High School Students
7. Effect of Nutrition on the Physical Performance of High School Athletes
8. Impact of Video Games on Social Skills Development in Adolescents
9. Effect of Part-Time Work to the Academic Performance of Senior High School Students
10. The Effect of Peer Pressure on Decision-Making Among Senior High School Students

Note: Follow format from previous activities.

Extension Activity: To be submitted following format for activity. The pair of students 1 paper for
submission indicating both names of students.

 As an extension, pair with another student. Create your own research titles based on topics
where you are interested, and then identify the independent and dependent variables.

 For example, you could explore topics related to:

o Environmental factors (e.g., air pollution and health)

o Technology use (e.g., screen time and attention span)

o Health and lifestyle (e.g., diet and energy levels)

This activity encourages you to practice distinguishing between variables in research contexts
that are both relevant and relatable to your lives.