Scribd
Upload
419 views

The Variables: Variable Is That The Meaning of Each Is Implied by

This document discusses different types of variables used in research: dependent variables, independent variables, and controlled variables. It defines each type and provides examples. A dependent variable is the presumed effect that depends on other factors like the independent variable. The independent variable is the presumed cause that is manipulated by the researcher. Controlled variables are held constant during an experiment. The relationship between dependent and independent variables is one of cause and effect.

Uploaded by

Emily Jamio
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
419 views

The Variables: Variable Is That The Meaning of Each Is Implied by

This document discusses different types of variables used in research: dependent variables, independent variables, and controlled variables. It defines each type and provides examples. A dependent variable is the presumed effect that depends on other factors like the independent variable. The independent variable is the presumed cause that is manipulated by the researcher. Controlled variables are held constant during an experiment. The relationship between dependent and independent variables is one of cause and effect.

Uploaded by

Emily Jamio
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 12

THE VARIABLES

• 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.
• A variable is an experiment usually has three kinds of
variables: independent, dependent, and controlled.
The independent variable is the one that is changed
by the scientist.
THREE TYPES OF VARIABLES
• Dependent Variable,
• Independent Variable and
• Controlled Variable
Dependent Variable
• 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.
 Dependent variables are variables whose changes depend
solely on another variable—usually the independent
variable. That is, the value of the dependent variable will
only change if the independent variable changes.
Independent Variable
• 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.
• Independent variables are variables whose variations do not depend on
another variable. They are controlled inputs, whose variation depends
on the researcher or individual working with the variables.
• Also known as the predictor variable, it is the determinant of the
value of the dependent variable. It is usually used to test the rate of
change of the dependent variable as it changes under a non-variable
condition.
Controlled Variable
• A controlled variable is one which the researcher
holds constant (controls) during an experiment. ... If
a control variable changes during an experiment, it
may invalidate the correlation between the dependent
and independent variables. When possible, control
variables should be identified, measured, and
recorded.
Differences Between Dependent &
Independent Variables
 Dependent variables are often referred to as the predicted
variable, while the independent variables are the predictors or
regressors. They are alternatively called these names because
of their role in research experiments.

 Independent variables are the variables that determine how


dependent variables vary, i.e. they predict dependent variables.
Dependent variables, on the other hand, are the variables being
predicted by the independent variables.
Advantages
 Dependent variables cannot be manipulated by the researcher
or any other external factor, and as such is not liable to any
form of bias. It is neither people to the researcher's bias nor the
respondents' bias.
 Independent variables are easily obtainable and do not require
complex mathematical procedures and observations like
dependent variables. This is because it can be easily
manipulated by the researcher or collected from respondents
through some data collection techniques.
• In some cases, the independent variables are natural factors
that cannot be manipulated by the researcher, which are also
easily obtainable. This results in less time taken to obtain
independent variables.
Disadvantages
 Dependent variables are obtained from longitudinal research
or solving complex mathematical equations. This is a very
expensive and time-consuming process for the researcher.
 Independent variables are prone to researcher and respondents'
bias, therefore affecting the results of the research. This can
only be completely avoidable if the independent variables are
naturally occurring and are not manipulated by the researcher.
• For example, when investigating the effect of sunlight on
pigmentation, researchers control the exposure of sunlight on
each sample of the experiment.
Cause & Effect
• In a research experiment, the dependent variables are usually the
effect, while the independent variables are the cause. Also, the
relationship between the dependent and independent variables can
be said to be a cause and effect relationship.
• Let us consider research into the relationship between the nutrients
taken by a child and its effect on growth. In this case, the dependent
variable is child growth, while the independent variable is the
nutrients taken by the child.
• The nutrient taken by the child is what will cause the child to grow,
making it the cause and child growth the effect.
Similarities Between Dependent
& Independent Variables
• Dependent and independent variables are both
variables and therefore have similar characteristics.
They can both be used in similar fields of research,
mathematics, and statistics. Some of the similarities
between dependent and independent variables are
highlighted below:
Conclusion
• Variables are generally important for both personal uses by
individuals and scientific experiments by researchers. They are
one of those things that we use in our daily activities either
consciously or unconsciously.
• However, a lack of proper understanding will lead to it being
misused and may have negative effects. Therefore, to make
proper use of variables and inform better decisions, one may
need to know what variables are, how, and when you use
them.
• Variables are divided into dependent and independent types,
and understanding the similarities and differences between
these 2 variables are the key to their proper use.

You might also like