Variables in Quantitative Research

• What is a variable in research?

  A concept that varies and is measurable
• What does it mean for a variable to assume different numerical and categorical values?

  It means the variable can take on various forms or categories
• What is the dependent variable (DV)?

  The variable that is affected by the independent variable (IV)
• Can there be more than one dependent variable in an experiment?

  Yes, there can be more than one dependent variable
• What is the independent variable (IV)?

  The condition being manipulated in an experiment
• What is a moderating variable?

  A variable that has the strongest contingent effect on the IV and DV
• In the context of studying, what could be an example of an independent variable?

  Hours of study
• In the context of studying, what could be an example of a dependent variable?

  Exam score
• What is an intervening variable?

  A variable whose existence is inferred but cannot be measured or manipulated
• How does an intervening variable relate to independent and dependent variables?

  It links the IV and DV but is not directly observable
• What is a controlled variable?

  A factor that is kept constant in an experiment
• Why are controlled variables important in an experiment?

  They help to test the relative relationships of the independent and dependent variables
• In a plant growth experiment, which factors are typically controlled?

  Water and sunlight
• What is an extraneous variable?

  A variable that may affect the dependent variable but is not controlled
• How does an extraneous variable differ from a confounding variable?

  An extraneous variable may affect the DV but is not controlled, while a confounding variable is related to both IV and DV
• How do controlled variables contribute to the validity of an experiment?

  They ensure that the results are due to the manipulation of the independent variable
• What are the types of variables in research?

  • Dependent Variable (DV): Affected by the independent variable
  • Independent Variable (IV): The condition being manipulated
  • Moderating Variable: Affects the relationship between IV and DV
  • Intervening Variable: Inferred existence linking IV and DV
  • Controlled Variable: Kept constant to test relationships
  • Extraneous Variable: May affect DV but not controlled