C5 Identify Variables - Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners PDF

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Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners...

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Chapter 5: Identify Variables 1. What is a variable? A variable is an attribute of an object of study; a concept that can be measured on any one of the four types of measurement scale (Nominal, Ordinal, Interval and Ratio). 2. Types of variable (Based on point of view): i. The study design: a. Active variable: Varibles that can be manipulated or controlled. b. Attribute variable: Varibles that reflect the characteristics and cannot be manipulated or controlled. ii. Casual relationship: 4. Independent variable: Variables that manipulate in order to affect the outcome of an experiment (e.g. IQ) 5. Dependent variable: Variables that represent the outcome of the experiment; depends on independent variables (e.g. Test score). 6. Extraneous variable: Variables which are not the independent variable, but could affect the results of the experiment. 7. Intervening variable: Variables that affects the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable. 3. Type of variable (Based on characteristics: Quantitative vs. Qualitative variables i. Quantitative/Numerical/Continuous variables: Real amounts that can be added, subtracted, divided, etc. a. Interval variable: Contains a numerical value with order and the difference between two values is meaningful (e.g. Temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit). b. Ratio variable: Containts a true zero (means there is a total absence of the variable you are measuring) and equal intervals between neighboring points (e.g. Length, distance...). ii. Qualitative/Categorical/Discrete variable: Groupings of some kind rather than actual amounts of things. a. Binary/Dichotomous variable: Two precise distinct outcomes designed to give an either/or response (e.g. Male/female...). b. Nominal variable: Groups with no rank or order between them (e.g. species, colors, religion...). c. Ordinal variable: Groups that are ranked in a specific order (e.g. rating scale...)....