Research Variables

Quarter 1, Module 2
VARIABLES
A variable is considered as a central concept in
research. It is a measurable characteristic that
changes in value. It may vary from one group to
another group, one person to another, or even with
the same person overtime. A variable is anything
that may assume varied numerical or categorical
values.
VARIABLE CAN BE…

SEX IQ
(female or male) LEVEL

SOCIOECONOMIC
AGE STATUS
KINDS OF VARIABLE

 Discrete & Continuous Variable

 Independent and Dependent Variables
DISCRETE
VARIABLE
Discrete Variable
A discrete variable is a type of statistical variable that can
assume only fixed number of distinct values and lacks an
inherent order. This is also known as a categorical variable,
because it has separate, invisible categories.

Examples of Discrete Variable

1. Number of printing mistakes in a book
2. Number of road accidents in Metro Manila
3. Classroom attendance
Discrete data key characteristics:
❖ You can count the data. It is usually units counted in whole numbers.
❖ The values cannot be divided into smaller pieces and add additional meaning.
❖ You cannot measure the data. By nature, discrete data cannot be measured at all.
For example, you can measure your weight with the help of a scale. So, your
weight is not
a discrete data.
❖ It has a limited number of possible values e.g. days of the month.
❖ Discrete data is graphically displayed by a bar graph
CONTINUOUS
VARIABLE
Continuous Variable
A continuous variable is one that is defined over an interval of
values, meaning that it can suppose any values in between the
minimum and maximum value. It can be understood as the
function for the interval and for each function, the range for the
variable may vary.

Examples of Continuous Variable

1. Height of a person
2. Age of a person
Continuous data key characteristics:
❖ In general, continuous variables are not counted.
❖ The values can be subdivided into smaller and smaller
pieces and they have additional meaning.
❖ The continuous data is measurable.
❖ It has an infinite number of possible values within an interval.
Key Differences Between
Discrete and Continuous
Variable
The difference between discrete and continuous variable can be drawn
clearly on the following grounds:

❖ The statistical variable that assumes a finite set of data and a

countable number of values, then it is called as a discrete variable. As
against this, the quantitative variable which takes on an infinite set of
data and a uncountable number of values is known as a continuous
variable.
❖ For non-overlapping or otherwise known as mutually inclusive
classification, wherein the both the class limit are included, is
applicable for the discrete variable. On the
contrary, for overlapping or say mutually exclusive classification,
wherein the upper class-limit is excluded, is applicable for a
continuous variable.
❖ In discrete variable, the range of specified number is complete,
which is not in the case of a continuous variable.
❖ Discrete variables are the variables, wherein the values can be
obtained by counting. On the other hand, Continuous variables are the
random variables that measure something.
❖ Discrete variable assumes independent values whereas continuous
variable assumes any value in a given range or continuum.
❖ A discrete variable can be graphically represented by isolated
points. Unlike, a continuous variable which can be indicated on the
graph with the help of connected points.
BASIS FOR COMPARISON DISCRETE CONTINUOUS VARIABLE
VARIABLE

The variable which assumes a The variable which

Meaning finite number of isolated values assumes an infinite number
of different values

Range of
specified number Complete Incomplete

Values are obtained by Values are obtained by

Values counting. measuring

Classification Non-overlapping Overlapping

Distinct or Any value between the two

Assumes separate values values
Both discrete and continuous variable can be qualitative and quantitative. However, these two
statistical terms are diametrically opposite to one another in the sense that the discrete variable
is the variable with the well-defined number of permitted values whereas a continuous variable
is a variable that can contain all the possible values between two numbers
 Independent
and Dependent
Variable
 An independent variable (sometimes called an experimental
or predictor variable) is a variable that is being manipulated
in an experiment in order to observe the effect this has on a
dependent variable (sometimes called an outcome variable).
Remember the dependent variable is the one affected by a
change in the independent variable.

Example: How long you sleep (independent variable) affects your

test score (dependent variable).
Remember 3 Things

1. Think of an independent variable as a cause that produces an effect.

2. Treat the dependent variable as an outcome.

3. Remember that a dependent variable can’t change an independent variable.