ASSINGMENT ON

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

TANJIR AHMED
ID: 150115
Topic: Explain concept, indicator & variable in research. Assume you are
assessing the concept of “green building” in the context of Khulna city. Design
the survey instrument to measure “green building”.

Concept:
The use of concept is regarded as a major consideration to formulate a research problem,like:
- concepts are pure theorem.
- differenciable among individual personal varities.
- May not be measureable.
- concepts applied should be characterized in measurable terms
- Applying methods to operationalize itself.

Indicator:
An indicator is something that points to, measures or otherwise provides a summary overview
of a specific concept. A set of indicators that are combined is referred to as an index.
explanatory context. An indicator is an observable and measurable entity that serves to define
a concept in a practical way.

Variable:
An image, perception or concept that is capable of measurement – hence capable of taking on
different values – is called a variable. In other words, a measurable concept is called a
variable.
A variable is a property that takes on different values. Putting it redundantly, a variable is
something that varies, ‘A variable is a property that takes on different values. Putting it
redundantly, a variable is something that varies … A variable is a symbol to which numerals or
values are attached’-kerlinger.
Black and Champion define a variable as ‘rational units of analysis that can
assume any one of a number of designated sets of values’.

A concept that can be measured on any one of the four types of measurement scale, which
have varying degrees of precision in measurement, is called a variable.

Concepts are mental images or perceptions and therefore their meanings vary markedly from
individual to individual, whereas variables are measurable, though, of course, with varying
degrees of accuracy. A concept cannot be measured whereas a variable can be subjected to
measurement by crude/refined or subjective/objective units of measurement. Concepts are
subjective impressions which, if measured as such would cause problems in comparing
responses obtained from different respondents.
Concept Indicator variable Survey instrument &
Sample

Green Energy - building - Observation

building efficiency orientation - Building position
- using daylight - Effect of sun path
- solar panel - Interview
- color and - When do you sleep & wake up?
texture - How about your electricity bill?
- Do you use solar panel?
- How much time you use it?
Secondary data
- Plumbing fixture type & conservation capacity
Water - Conservation - Questionnaire
system - Capacity of reservoir
- Rainwater - Purpose of rainwater
reuse - Questionnaire
- Water recycling
- Have any Processing system?
- Amount of recycled water
- Questionnaire
- Which materials do you use in
construction?
- Do you know about eco friendly materials?
- Interview
- Wall window ratio
Materials - Eco friendly - Interview
materials - Plantation area of rooftop.
- Greenary around the building.

Health - Natural
ventilation