Lesson 4

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK
AND
VARIABLES
 Research Frameworks
• Theoretical Framework – explains the
connection between a theory and the
problem
– Theory (set of concepts which explains the
occurrence of a phenomenon)

• Conceptual Framework – illustration of

theoretical framework in concrete terms
 The Role of Theory in Research
• Theory – a statement of relationship between
two variables (independent variable or IV and
dependent variable or DV)
– IV (assumed to be the “cause” of the problem)
– DV (the problem itself or the phenomenon being
studied; “effect”)

• Examples of theories:
– Dissonance, Self-perception, attribution, social
loafing and many others
 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
• Presents a theory that explains why a
problem under study exists (Mercado, 1994);
• Explains the connection between certain
factors and the problem or relationship
between variables;
• Justifies the rationale/background of the
study;
• Serves as the cornerstone of the research or
springboard of the study.
Functions of a Theoretical Framework:
• Provides general framework which can
guide data analysis;
• Identifies variables to be measured;
• Explains why IV can influence DV;
• Limits the scope of data relevant to the
framework by focusing on specific
variables;
• Stipulates specific frame of mind or
viewpoint that the researcher will take in
analyzing and interpreting data
Note:
1. Not all research studies need a
theoretical framework (TF) but
2. Relational and causal studies do need
TF
3. Studies which do not intend to examine
relationship between or among
variables or the effect of one variable
on another do not require a TF
 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
• Refers to the researcher’s concepts or ideas
about his study.
• Elaboration of TF in concrete terms
• Must be consistent with and related to the TF
• Specifies the variables of the study and the
expected flow of relationship between variables
• Based on the theory or related lit, the predicted
association between variables is explained
• Also called research paradigm
• Has inputs (bases of the study), process (steps to
be done) and output (results)
 VARIABLES
• A variable is a concept that stands for a variation
within a class of objects or persons (Fraenkel and
Wallen, 1996).

• A variable is a characteristic or property that can

take different values or attributes (Schutt, 1999).

• Variables are the basic elements which are

measured in a study. They are observable and
measurable.
 Examples of variables
* age * location of business * degree of malnutrition
* sex * revenue * level of fertilizer
* size of land * type of work * type of crop
* income * number of meetings * marital status
 TYPES OF VARIABLES
• Independent Variable (IV)
• IV is the “assumed cause” of the problem.
• It is an assumed reason for any “change” or
variation in a dependent variable.
• An independent variable is sometimes
treated as “antecedent” variable (the variable
before).
• Likewise, an “antecedent” variable may be
treated as an “independent” variable.
 Dependent Variable
• The dependent variable (DV) is the
“assumed effect” of another variable.
• It is the change that occurs in the study
population when one or more factors
are changed or when an intervention
or treatment is introduced.
• Usually dependent variable is the
problem itself.
Example No. 1
In the study on “The Relationship Between Exposure to
Mass Media and Smoking Habits among Young Adults”, the
dependent variable is “smoking habits,” while the independent
variable is “exposure to mass media.” A person’s smoking habits
assumed to change or vary depending on his/her exposure or
degree of exposure to print or broadcast media related to smoking.

Exposure to Mass Media Smoking Habits

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Example No. 2
In the experimental study to test the “Effect of Peer
Counseling on the Students’ Study Habits,” the independent variable
is “exposure to peer counseling.” It is assumed that students who
have been counseled by peers will have better study habits than
those who were not counseled by peers or those who have been
exposed to traditional counseling techniques.

Exposure to
Peer Counseling Study Habits

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Example No. 3
In the study entitled “Factors that Influence of Extent of
Participation in Household Decision-making among Married
Professionals,” the dependent variable is extent of participation in
household decision-making,” while the independent variable is
“factors,” which include personal characteristics of the respondents,
such as age, sex, educational attainment and income.

Factors Extent of decision-

Sex, Education, Age, making participation
Income

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

 Intervening Variable
• The intervening variable is factor that
works “between” the independent and
dependent variables.

• It can weaken (decrease) or strengthen

(increase) the effect of the independent
variables/s on the dependent variable/s.

• It is also called a “moderator variable.”

Title of the study: Anchorage for barnacles
Color, growth and
Type of material pH, salinity and number of
temperature barnacles

Independent Variables Intervening Variables Dependent Variables

 Antecedent variable
• An antecedent variable is a factor
or characteristic which is found
before (ante) the independent
variable.
• It is expected to influence the
independent variable/s.
• It is usually irreversible.
 Sex, Residence Extent of Exposure Reading
and Parents to Mass Media ability
Education

Antecedent Variable Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Title of the study: Extent of exposure to print

media and reading ability of college freshmen
 Extraneous Variables
• Other variables that exists

• Control these variables to eliminate

or minimize their effect

• Are independent variables that

have not been controlled that could
affect the results of the study
Operational Definition
of Variables
• Some researchers cannot answer their
research questions because they do
not have clear measures of their
variables.
• A variable must be operationally
defined (gives a specific meaning to
the variable) according to how it is used
in the study, so that it can be properly
measured.
 Variables Indicator/Operational Definition

1. Age 1. This refers to the length of time a

person has lived since he/she was
born. In this study it refers to the age
of a respondent on his/her last
birthday.
2. This refers to the highest grade/year
2. Educational attainment completed by the respondent.
3. Exposure to smoking 3. This means whether or not the
respondent has heard or read about
information campaign the anti-smoking campaign and the
number of time he/she has heard/read
the message/s.
4. This is represented by the total number
4. Knowledge about of correct answers in a 10 – item
smoking questionnaire on smoking and its
dangers.
 Operational Definition of Key Terms
• There may be terms in the study (not
variables) that have meaning different from
their “dictionary meaning” or they take on
different meanings, depending on situations
or events.
• These terms must also be defined
operationally to avoid misinterpretation.
• The definition depends on how the word is
used and measured.