WHAT ARE THE VARIABLES IN RESEARCH?

Summary

In this educational video, Dock Padamma explains the fundamental concepts of independent and dependent variables in research writing. He defines variables as measurable, manipulable, and controllable elements, predominantly used in quantitative research. The independent variable (IV) is the factor being tested, while the dependent variable (DV) is the outcome affected by the IV. The video clarifies that IVs remain constant and can influence DVs, but not vice versa. Examples, such as exam grades being affected by study duration and sleep, illustrate this relationship. The presenter also hints at other types of variables used in research, promising further exploration in future videos.

Takeaways

• 📊 Variables in research are measurable, manipulable, and controllable, mainly in quantitative research.
• 📚 Every experiment typically involves two main variables: independent and dependent variables.
• 🔍 The independent variable represents the issue being tested or investigated.
• 📈 The dependent variable reflects the outcome or the result affected by the independent variable.
• 📌 Independent variables are constant and cannot be changed by other variables, but they can influence dependent variables.
• ⚖️ Dependent variables rely on and can be changed by independent variables, such as an exam grade depending on study time or sleep.
• 🔄 Researchers often aim to determine how independent variables affect dependent variables and the nature of that effect.
• 🧩 Research titles that investigate variable relationships typically mention the 'effects' of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
• 🔢 In addition to independent and dependent variables, there are other types of variables in research, like moderating, control, and confounding variables.
• 🎓 Understanding the characteristics of variables helps in identifying them in research titles and forming appropriate research questions.

Q & A

What is a variable in research?

A variable in research refers to anything that can be measured, manipulated, or controlled. Variables are used in statistics and research, particularly in quantitative studies, as they represent aspects like a person, place, thing, or idea.

What types of research typically use variables?

Quantitative research typically uses variables because it involves measurable, manipulable, and controllable factors.

What is an independent variable?

An independent variable is what is being tested in an experiment. It is constant and not influenced by other variables, but it can affect or change other variables, specifically the dependent variable.

What is a dependent variable?

A dependent variable is what is affected by the independent variable. It represents the result or outcome of the experiment and changes based on the influence of the independent variable.

How are independent and dependent variables related?

The independent variable is the cause, while the dependent variable is the effect. The independent variable causes the dependent variable to change, but the reverse does not happen—dependent variables cannot influence independent variables.

Can you provide an example of independent and dependent variables?

An example would be a study examining the effect of sleep duration (independent variable) on a student's exam grade (dependent variable). The student's grade depends on how much sleep they get.

What is the general structure of research involving independent and dependent variables?

Research involving independent and dependent variables typically explores the 'effects' of the independent variable on the dependent variable. For example, the research title might start with 'The effects of [independent variable] on [dependent variable].'

What does it mean that an independent variable is constant?

An independent variable is constant in that it does not change based on other variables in the study. However, it can cause changes in other variables, particularly dependent variables.

What are some other types of variables in research besides independent and dependent variables?

Other types of variables include intervening, moderating, control, extraneous, quantitative (discrete and continuous), qualitative (binary, nominal, ordinal), confounding, and composite variables.

Why is it important to understand independent and dependent variables in research?

Understanding independent and dependent variables is crucial for identifying variables in research titles and designing experiments. Knowing how these variables interact helps researchers formulate clear research questions and hypotheses.