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3.1 Variables and Measurement Scales
3.1 Variables and Measurement Scales
It is very important in
research to see
variables, define
them, and control or
measure them.
Name some of the
variables in a
classroom.
Outline of today’s
presentation
1. The concept and definition of variable
2. Variables in research
3. Constructs versus variables
4. Operationalization
5. Types and functions of variables
6. Measurement Scales
The concept of variable
The concept of variable is basic but very
important in research. You won't be able
to do very much in research unless you
know how to deal with variables.
A variable is any entity that can take on
different values across individuals and time.
Some examples
Age can be considered a variable because
age can take different values for different
people or for the same person at different
times.
Scores on the
Wechsler Adult
Intelligence Intelligence
Scale
operationalization
Operational definition of
Trait or construct intelligence
Operationalization
Scores on the
Proficiency TOEFL test
Operational definition of
Trait or construct proficiency
Operational definition of a
variable
With students’ intelligence scores or TOEFL
scores, we now have observable and quantifiable
definitions of what the researcher means by the
constructs of “intelligence” and “proficiency”.
1. Independent
2. Dependent
3. Moderator
4. Control
5. Intervening
Independent vs. Dependent
Variables
An important distinction having to do with the
term 'variable' is the distinction between an
independent and dependent variable.
This distinction is particularly relevant when you
are investigating cause-effect relationships
(experiment). However, the concept is also used
in other research designs.
Independent vs. dependent V.
Moderator
Variable(s)
Control
Variable(s)
Two points
When designing a study, the researcher
determines which variables fall into each
category.
3. Nominal Scale
4. Ordinal Scale
5. Interval Scale
6. Ratio Scale
Nominal Scale
Nominal scale classifies persons or
objects into two or more categories.
Members of a category have a common
set of characteristics, and each member
may only belong to one category. Other
names: categorical, discontinuous,
dichotomous (only two categories).
True vs. artificial categories