The research variable are a quantifying component that may change from time to time.
The terms variable and constant refer to changes of statistical patterns of random or real data that can lead to some changes in the resulting state of the system.
In other words, variables are any characteristics that can take on different values namely age, test marks, temperature, pressure, weight, etc.
Dependent and independent variables are measured during experimental studies to assess the cause-and-effect relationship.
What is a Dependent Variable in Research?
A dependent variable is a variable that varies with respect to change in the independent variable. The value of the dependent variable depends on the value of an independent variable. In statistics, dependent variables can be categorized into:
- Response variables (It varies with another variable)
- Outcome variables (It represents the outcome of another variable)
- Left-hand-side variables (It appears on the left-hand side of a regression equation)
The dependent variable is what we measure after varying the independent variable from low to high. This measurement is done to study the effect of the dependent variable on the independent variable by conducting statistical analyses. Based on the results, the degree to which the independent variable variation can be studied.
What is an Independent Variable?
An independent variable is a variable that we vary in an experimental study to measure its effects. It is called “independent” as it is not affected by any other variables in the study. Independent variables can be categorized into:
- Explanatory variables (It explains an event or result)
- Predictor variables (It predicts the value of a dependent variable)
- Right-hand-side variables (It appears on the right-hand side of a regression equation).
These terminologies are used in statistics, where we can study the degree to which an independent variable change can predict changes in the dependent variable.
Also Read: What is an Independent Variable? Importance and Examples
Types of independent variables
There are two main types of independent variables.
- The experimental independent variables can be directly varied during the experimental study.
- A subject variable cannot be varied, but it can be used to group research subjects categorically.
The Independent variable is the cause. Its value is independent of other variables.
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The dependent variable is the effect. Its value is based on the changes in the independent variable.
Example: Independent and dependent variables
You conduct a study to assess whether changes in pressure affect the reactor performance.
Your independent variable is the pressure of the reactor. You can vary the pressure by making it low for 30 minutes and high for another 30 minutes.
Your dependent variable is the performance of the reactor. Now, calculate the performance of the reactor and analyze the change in pressure have an effect on reactor performance.
How to Find Dependent and Independent Variables in Research?
Ascertaining dependent and independent variables can be difficult or tricky while designing research experiments. A dependent variable in one research study can be the independent variable in another study; therefore it’s important to identify the variables while formulating the design of experiments.
Tips to identify dependent variable type:
The following research questions can be used to identify the dependent variable:
- Is this variable calculated as an outcome of the study?
- Is this variable dependent on another variable in the experimental study?
- Is this variable calculated only after other variables are changed?
Tips to identify independent variable type:
The following research questions can be used to identify the independent variable:
- Is this variable controlled or varied as a subject grouping method?
- Does this variable come before the other variable in time?
- Is this variable used to study the effect of another variable?
Dependent and independent variables are used in the experimental and quasi-experimental research study. Some of the research questions and their dependent and independent variables are listed.
The results can be analyzed by generating descriptive statistics and an appropriate statistical test method can be used to test the research hypothesis. The type of test method depends on the type of variable, level of measurement, and number of independent variables. Most often, t-tests or ANOVA tests are used to assess the experimental data.
We hope that this article helps you to understand what is research variable and how to identify research variable types for designing experiments.
Also Read: Quantitative Vs Qualitative Research
