The Use of Variables in

Research
What is a Variable?

A variable is an object, event,

idea, feeling, time, period, or any
other type of category which can
be measured.
Variables in Research

Variable is the characteristics of a data

set. A variable is something that can
change such as gender, which can be
either male or female. The male and
female are the attributes of the variable
gender. The attributes of the variable are
the possible observations or the data to
be processed.
Characteristics of a Variable
1. They have a prescriptive period/duration when they start
and stop.
2. They may have a pattern such as daily, weekly, and
monthly.
3. They are detailed though the summary is thorough and
profound.
4. There may be dormancy which is the time gap between
measuring dependent and independent variable,
because some things do not take effect right away.
Types of Variables
The independent variable (IV), the input
variable, is the probable cause of an event. It is
the variable that is controlled by the researcher.

On the other hand, the dependent variable

(DV), or outcome variable, is the outcome of
the study. It changes as a result of the
modifications made on the independent
variable.
Independent and Dependent
Variable Example
For example, a scientist wants to see if the
brightness of light has any effect on a moth
being attracted to the light. The brightness of
the light is controlled by the scientist. This would
be the independent variable. How the moth
reacts to the different light levels would be the
dependent variable.
The Relationship between Dependent
and Independent Variables

Independent variables cause a

change in the dependent variable. It
is not possible for a dependent
variable to cause a change in an
independent variable.
For example, time spent
practicing/rehearsing causes a change in
performance rating and it is not possible
that performance ratings could cause a
change in time spent practicing.
Therefore, time spent practicing must be
the independent variable and
performance rating must be the
dependent variable because the
sentence doesn’t make sense the other
way around.
The Importance between Dependent
and Independent Variables
Dependent and Independent variables
guide the researchers to pursue their
studies with maximum curiosity.
Dependent and Independent variables
drive the research process.
Dependent and Independent variables
determine the causes and effects in
research.