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Understanding Variables in Research

This document discusses the difference between dependent and independent variables in research. Independent variables are those that are intentionally manipulated or controlled by researchers, while dependent variables are simply measured and vary in relation to changes in the independent variables. Examples given include factors that may have influenced the recent GOP election sweep as potential independent variables, and student arrival time to class as dependent on variables like school type, student characteristics, and transportation method. Dependent variables are graphed on the y-axis while independent variables are placed on the x-axis.

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VVaasseem Khhaan
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113 views9 pages

Understanding Variables in Research

This document discusses the difference between dependent and independent variables in research. Independent variables are those that are intentionally manipulated or controlled by researchers, while dependent variables are simply measured and vary in relation to changes in the independent variables. Examples given include factors that may have influenced the recent GOP election sweep as potential independent variables, and student arrival time to class as dependent on variables like school type, student characteristics, and transportation method. Dependent variables are graphed on the y-axis while independent variables are placed on the x-axis.

Uploaded by

VVaasseem Khhaan
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Dependent v.

Independent Variables

Whats the difference?

What is a Variable?

Simply, something that varies. Specifically, variables represent persons or objects that can be manipulated, controlled, or merely measured for the sake of research. Variation: How much a variable varies. Those with little variation are called constants.

Examples of Variables

In the recent GOP sweep of the House and Senate, variables (or factors) that may have played a part would include:

Voter Turnout Party Message # of Open Seats Redistricting # of Incumbents Wellstone Funeral

Independent Variables

These variables are ones that are more or less controlled. Scientists manipulate these variables as they see fit. They still vary, but the variation is relatively known or taken into account. Often there are many in a given study.

Dependent Variables

Dependent variables are not controlled or manipulated in any way, but instead are simply measured or registered. These vary in relation to the independent variables, and while results can be predicted, the data is always measured. There can be any number of dependent variables, but usually there is one to isolate reason for variation.

Independent

V. Dependent

Intentionally manipulated Controlled Vary at known rate Cause

Intentionally left alone Measured Vary at unknown rate Effect

Example: What affects a students arrival to class?


Variables: Type of School

Liberals Arts v. University Athlete? Gender? GPA?

Type of Student

Time

Bedtime, Waking, Arrival

Mode of Transportation

Graphing Dependent v. Independent Variables

The dependent variable is placed on the y-axis, while the independent variable is placed on the x-axis. Example: Stock Market Graph

Sources

Stat Soft, Inc. [Link] Datatrend Software [Link] html ARG! Cartoon Animation Studio [Link]

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