However, before you start collecting your data, consider constructing a conceptual

framework. This will help you map out which variables you will measure and how you
expect them to relate to one another.

Step 2: Select your independent and dependent variables

In order to move forward with your research question and test a cause-and-effect
relationship, you must first identify at least two key variables: your independent and
dependent variables.
Example: VariablesFollowing our example:

 The expected cause, “hours of study,” is the independent variable (the predictor, or explanatory

variable)
 The expected effect, “exam score,” is the dependent variable (the response, or outcome
variable).
In other words, you suspect that “exam score” depends on “hours of study.” Thus,
your hypothesis will be that the more hours a student studies, the better they will do on the exam.
Note that causal relationships often involve several independent variables that affect the
dependent variable. For the purpose of this example, we’ll work with just one
independent variable (“hours of study”).