SPRING 2023

RESEARCH METHODS (STA630)

ASSIGNMENT No. 1
Due date: May 17, 2023
Total marks: 10
Objective of the Assignment:
The objective of this activity is to make the students able to identify different type of variables
(Independent Variable, Dependent Variable, Moderating Variable, Mediating Variable) while
conducting quantitative research or reviewing the literature on the same.

Learning Outcomes:
After attempting this assignment student should be able to recognize different type of variables
(Independent Variable, Dependent Variable, Moderating Variable, Mediating Variable) while
conducting quantitative research or reviewing the literature on the same in the literature.

PREMISE:
The global climate is changing rapidly due to human activities (e.g., burning of fossil fuels,
deforestation, and industrial activities) causing rising temperatures, extreme weather conditions,
and other ecological imbalances. Such human activities have adversely accelerated the global
climate. As a result of human activities, the amount of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and
methane) emitted into the atmosphere, trap heat and cause the Earth’s temperature to rise. It
ultimately adversely impacts climate change. Moreover, as countries develop economically, they
often increase their energy consumption, which can lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions,
which also adversely impact climate change. This economic development can also play a role in
the relationship between global climate and human activities. Nevertheless, economic
development can also lead to the adoption of cleaner technologies and more sustainable practices.
However, technological advancements can change the strength of the original relationship between
human activities and global climate change.

REQUIREMENT:
Being a student of research methodology, you are required to identify the independent, dependent,
moderating and mediating variables.
You have read about the independent, dependent, moderating and mediating variables in lesson
number 6. From the premise given above, all you need is to identify the independent, dependent,
moderating and/or mediating variables.
Important Note:
Your answer related to the above premise must be presented in the following format. Any student
submitting solution in format other than given below will be marked ZERO:

Type of Variable Identification

Independent Variable
Dependent Variable
Moderating Variable
Mediating Variable
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:
• Students are advised to study the whole text carefully.
• Try not to include any irrelevant material in the solution.
• Try to come up with precise and original answers.
• Any act of plagiarism like copy paste from internet will result in ZERO marks.
• Assignments reaching after the due date would not be considered.
• Make sure to upload the solution file before the due date on VULMS.
• Any submission made via email after the due date will not be accepted.
FORMATTING GUIDELINES:
• Use the font style “Times New Roman” or “Arial” and font size “12”.
• It is advised to compose your document in MS-Word format.
• Use black font color only.
RULES FOR MARKING:
Please note that your assignment will not be graded or graded as Zero (0), if:
• It is submitted after the due date.
• The file you uploaded does not open or is corrupt.
• It is in any format other than MS-Word or Open Office; e.g. Excel, PowerPoint, PDF etc.
• It is cheated or copied from other students, internet, books, journals etc.

24 hours extra/ grace period after the due date is usually available to overcome uploading
difficulties. This extra time should only be used to meet the emergencies and above mentioned due
dates should always be treated as final to avoid any inconvenience.

Good Luck!