vious research title, the phrase “test anxiety” is the dependent variable.

3. Confounding or Extraneous Variables. Those variables are usually indicated in

experimental research. They are not included in the study but in one way or another
cause an
effect on the dependent variable. Most of the time, these are the variables that are
minimized
to lessen their impact on the expected response. Going back to the previous research
example,
the family background of the grade school student is an example of an extraneous
variable. As
you may notice, it is not included in the variables under the study. But each grade
school
student who will take part in the study has a family background that may likely affects
the
impact of the peace-loving learning environment variable. To lessen its effect, the
researcher
must control it.
4. Categorical Variables. Those that characterize and describe the quality of data.
They are
often classified into mutually exclusive categories and extensive categories. The
former
comprises those that take on specific values. Often, they do not follow a sequence.
They just
want to describe the data into the given options; thus, they are called nominal
variables. For
example, civil status can be classified only as single, married, widowed, or annulled.
You can
only be either one of these. Extensive categories, on the other hand, characterize data
using a
definite range. They consider logical order or rank and are therefore called ordinal
variables.
Description of data follows a sequence. For example, size is classified into small,
medium, or
large. When you state the classification sizes, you have to say it in order. Noticeably,
the
values of categorical variables are not numeric.
5. Continuous Variables. Those variables in which values are based on a given
interval or
continuum. These variables rely on numbers for description. For example, normal
temperature
ranges from 36°C to 37°C. So, the description of normal temperature is only within
the given
interval. Think about income example. When you state an income, you can just say
the
amount. It does not follow an interval, but it falls along a continuum.
6. Quantitative Variables. Those variables give details regarding the number or level
of
something. These variables count the frequency of responses or effects. An example is
a
popularity contest. The contestant who will get the highest number of votes as the
most well-
liked will be declared the winner.
7. Qualitative Variables. Those variables represent kinds or types of objects. They
are
synonymous with categorical variables. They are often categorized into names, labels,
or
groups. At times, numbers are used as codes to represent categorization to be able to
measure
the variable and describe its extent. Responses such as yes or no; few, many, too
much; and
agree or disagree, are some examples of qualitative variables.
VARIABLES AND THEIR LEVEL OF MEASUREMENT
As mentioned, variables must be measured based on the way they are defined
operationally.
Levels of measurement are the association of the values that are linked to a variable.
Here are some
reasons why studying them is important:
1. Proper interpretation of data related to the variable. For example, sex refers to
male or
female, and the study provided the number of male and female participants. Then, the
idea
being conveyed will be easily expressed. It is just about the quantity of the
participants based
on the two categories.
2. Decisions about the proper statistical analysis to be used. If the measure is the
quantity of
males vs. females, you do not need to test the relationship between them. Rather, you
should
just take note of the frequency and the average of males and females.
The following are the four levels of measurement:
1. Nominal Scales. Concerned with the names and categories of responses. They do
not intend
to quantify the data. Qualitative and categorical variables are examples. Nationality
and hair
color are some examples.
2. Ordinal Scales. Used for data that intends to be ranked. This scale is expressed
through
sequential and numerical order and therefore allows a comparison of degree.
Qualitative and
sometimes quantitative variables are measured using this scale. Some examples are
the
following: first, second, and third; good, better, and best.
3. Interval Scales. Use equal units of measurement and intervals to know the distance
between
them more than the sequence. An interval scale does not use zero as its base point,
though.
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