Practical Research 2

Module 3: Kinds of Variables and their

Uses

Content Standard/s:
• the nature of variables.
Performance Standard/s:
• decide on suitable quantitative research in
different areas of interest.
MELCs (Most Essential Learning Competencies):
Describes characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and kinds of
quantitative research

What you need to know?

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Identify kinds of variables

• Differentiates each variables from one another

• Determines the uses of Variables

(Take note: The following Content Standard/s, Performance Standard/s,
MELCs (Most Essential Learning Competencies, and What you need to
know? (Lesson Objectives) are not answerable. These are your guides in
studying the module.)

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 Motivational Activity

Identify the independent variable (IV) and the dependent

variable (DV) in each of the following research examples.

1.Brightness of light has any effect on a moth being attracted to the light ( Science)

2. Digital Teaching and Learners academic performance ( Education)

3. Time spent studying and its effects the test scores of students ( Education)

4. The effect of glass windows on room lightning among buildings. ( Engineering)

5. Salary and job satisfaction among private company employees. ( Business)

6. How stress affects mental state of human being?

7. Distance Education Students‟ Satisfaction with Education Quality in time of Enhance

Community Quarantine

8. Effects of Absenteeism on Students Performance

9. Level of Academic Performance of the Working Students of Colleges

10, Perceptions Of Secondary Students On School Rules And Regulations In

Promoting Acceptable Behavior

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Lesson
Variable Kinds and their Uses
3

Variable is commonly used in research studies. It can be

something handy and visible, an event, idea, feeling, time period, or any other type of
what are you trying to measure. It is relevant to identify the variables while designing
quantitative research study. It is defined as anything that has a quantity or quality
that varies and encourage to be enthusiast in any research than constants. Is therefore
variable, to put in secular statement is something that can change and or can have
more than one value something that varies. It may be weight, height, anxiety levels,
income, body temperature and so on. It is pertinent for a researcher to know as how
certain variables within a study are related to each other. It is thus important to define
the variables to facilitate accurate explanation of the relationship between the
variables. There is no limit to the number of variables that can be measured, although
the more variables, the more complex the study and the more complex the statistical
analysis. Moreover the longer the list of variables, the longer the time required for
data collection. Lastly, variables can be defined in terms of measurable factors
through a functional process. It will change difficult concepts into easily
understandable concepts which then can be measured, empirically which makes it
essential to define the term as variables so that they can be quantified and measured.
That is, the variable have to be able to work for you to operate, or becomes for
functional.In quantitative research undertaking, identifying variables always starts
with what is quantifiable.

In research, especially in a quantitative research, one important thing that you

need to meet your goal is at the preliminary of your study and that is to determine the
variables involved in your study.

Role of Variables in Research.

The main purpose of research is to solve problems and improve the

support for the society. To research is to search or investigate
comprehensively. It is a careful or thorough search, studious
inquiry or examination especially investigation or
experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of
facts, revision of accepted theories or
laws in the light of new facts or practical application of such new or revised theories
or laws,
it can also be the collection of information about a particular subject, Webster(1985).
Research cannot be possible without taking into consideration measurable factors that
are subject to change due to circumstances. Anything that can vary in research due to
circumstances is called a variable.

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 In statistics and scientific studies, using variables is an important aspect of
structuring and completing a test or survey. While most people are familiar with the
independent and dependent variables, another type of variable can change the
outcome of the results. That third variable is the uncontrolled variable, also known
as the confounding variable. (Kelly M, 2018)

In scientific research, scientists, technicians and researchers utilize a variety of

methods and variables when conducting their experiments. In simple terms, a
variable represents a measurable attribute that changes or varies across the
experiment whether comparing results between multiple groups, multiple people or
even when using a single person in an experiment conducted over time. In all,
(Agravante,
there are sixM, 2018). variable types.
common

Moreover spending some time to consider on variables in your research, your work
has no chance of attaining its objective. Your research problem or research topic to which
you allot much of your initial research time finalizing stands great, if it has wordings on the
basic variables involved in your study.

Types of Variables

Basically, variables are of two types: independent variables and dependent variables.
Independent variables are those that cause changes in the subject, while dependent
variables are those that bear or manifest the effects caused by the independent variables.
Hence, in a causal relationship, the cause comes from the independent variables; the
effects, on the dependent variables.
In an experimental research, the independent variable as the condition or treatment
applied to the experimental group is under the control, direction, or manipulation of
the
researcher or experimenter. For example, to determine the positive effects of Online
Learning (OL) on Intellectual grammar learning competence (IGLC) you apply this theory
in varied ways like realizing this in an individual, oral, or written activity. In this case,
Online Learning (OL) serves as the independent variable and the Intellectual grammar
learning competence (IGLC) as the dependent variable. And this two variables mentioned
were the major kind of variables usually used in doing a research and there are other types
to ponder.

Quantitative Research Kinds of Variables.

1. Independent Variables (IV)- is exactly what it sounds like. It is a variable that
stands alone and isn‟t changed by the other variables you are trying to measure and by
definition it is the one which is manipulated by the researcher. It is like the knob on a
dial that the researcher turns. In research that causes a change esp. on other variables.
It can be controlled to monitor such changes and are those that are suspected of being
the cause in a causal relationship. If you are asking a cause and effect question, your IV
will be the variable (or variables if more than one) that you suspect causes the effect.
Independent variables are frequently called different things depending on the nature of
the research question.
2. Dependent Variables (DV)- is the one which changes the result of the
independent variable being changed. It is something that depends on other factors. It
the variable being tested and monitored and are those that are influenced by the
independent variables. Its outcomes or results of the influence of the independent
variable. Dependent variables answer the question: What do I observe happening when
I apply the intervention?, and it receives the intervention.

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3. Descriptive variables which refer to those variables in research which will be
reported on, without relating them to anything in particular.
4. Categorical variables that can take on one of a limited, and usually fixed, number
of possible values, assigning each individual or other unit of observation to a
particular group or nominal category on the basis of some qualitative property which
result from a selection from categories, such as „agree‟ and „disagree‟. In quantitative
studies, nominal and ordinal variables are categorical in nature because they result
from some selected category.
5. Discrete variables are numeric variables that come from a limited set of numbers.
They may result from answering questions such as „how many‟, „how often‟and how far
or that can only take on a certain number of values. These are variables use that are
countable where the range of specified values is complete.
a. Classroom attendance
b. Grade level of students
Number of buyers in a supermarket
d. Baby's age in months
6. Continuous variables are numeric variables that can take any value, a variable that
can be used for an infinite number of possible values
a. Person's weight/age/height
b. Travel time from Pampanga to Zambales
c. Price of basic commodities
d. Family income
7. Confounding Variables in research is any variable that can potentially play a role in
the outcome of a study, but which is not part of the study. Researchers must be
aware that variables outside

ACTIVITY
Directions: INDIVIDUAL WORK. Make a written outline of all the ideas you
have discovered from the reading selection of this lesson.

Outline:

Topic /Thesis statement

Major points that support your Topic

I.

A.
B.
II.

A.
B.
(If applicable, continue to sub-divide each supporting idea until your outline is fully
developed. Label them 1, 2, 3, etc., and then a, b, c, etc.)

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ASSESSMENT

Directions: Read each statement or samples of variables carefully. Identify what type of
variables is being described. Write your correct answer before each number.

1. A variable that can be used for an infinite number of

possible values.

2. It the variable being tested and monitored.

3. Person‟sweight/age/height.

4. It is variable that can potentially play a role in the outcome of a

study but which is not part of the study

5. numeric variables that come from a limited set of numbers

6. It is a variable that stands alone and isn‟tchanged by the other

variables you are trying to measure

7. Price of basic commodities

8. Grade level of students
9. These are variables in research which will be reported on, without
relating them to anything in particular

10. One of a limited, and usually fixed, number of possible

values,

References

Agravante, M. (2020) "What Is the Meaning of Variables in Research?" sciencing.com,

https://sciencing.com/meaning-variables-research-6164255.html.
Kalof, L., Dan, A., & Dietz, T. (2008). Essentials of social research. Berkshire, England: Open
University.

Vogt, W.P. (2005). Dictionary of statistics and methodology. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
http://www.apexdissertations.com/articles/independent_dependent_variables.html

Agravante, Mariecor. What Is the Meaning of Variables in Research? last modified June 17,
2020. https://sciencing.com/meaning-variables-research-6164255.html

Kelly, Megan. (2020, June 17). The Definition of an Uncontrolled Variable. sciencing.com.
Retrieved from https://sciencing.com/definition-uncontrolled-variable-8519368.html
https://www.slideshare.net/majoydrew/identifying-the-inquiry-and-stating-the-
problempractical-research

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West Central College of Arts and Science Inc. | Practical Research 2