IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF VARIABLE

THE SECOND STEP INVOLVES IDENTIFYING THE

TYPE OF VARIABLE YOUR ARE TRYING TO
MEASURE, MANIPULATE, OR CONTROL. THERE
ARE (2) TYPES OF VARIABLES:

• INDEPENDENT VARIABLE (a
variable that is being
manipulated)

• DEPENDENT VARIABLE (outcome

variable)
 VARIABLE

• In a quantitative study, what are being studied are usually measurable

data. How one variable will affect another.

• Two types of Variable

1. Independent Variable (commonly known as the X variable)

this is the presume cause

can be manipulated by the researcher

It is stable and unaffected by the other variable

 VARIABLE

2. Dependent Variable (commonly known as the Y variable)

• this is the presume effect

• this variable assumes the change brought about by the other

variable (IV)

• this is the variable that is being measured by the researcher.

 EXAMPLES

1. “Increased levels of stress will lead to decreased levels of health”

• X – LEVEL OF STRESS

• Y – LEVEL OF HEALTH

2. “In a study to determine whether how long a students sleeps affects test
scores”

• X – LENGTH OF TIME SPENT SLEEPING

• Y – SCORE
 EXAMPLES

3. “What is the effect of fast food on blood pressure?”

• X – CONSUMPTION OF FOOD

• Y – BLOOD PRESSURE

4. “What is the effect of caffeine on sleep?”

• X – AMOUNT OF CAFFEINE CONSUMED

• Y – SLEEP
 VARIABLES IN HYPOTHESIS

• In research, variables are 1 INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

any characteristics that can An independent variable is
take on different values, something the researcher
such as height, age, changes or controls.
temperature, or test scores.

Example: Hypothesis 2 DEPENDENT VARIABLE

Daily exposure to the sun leads to A dependent variable is
increased levels of happiness
something the researcher
IV: exposure to the sun – assume cause
observes and measures.
DV: level of happiness – assume effect