DESIGN THE QUATITATIVE

PURPOSE STATEMENT, RESEARCH

QUESTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Specipy variable
• A variable is a characteristic or attribute of an individual
or an organization that (a) researchers can measure or
observe and (b) varies among individuals or
organizationsstudied
A Variable Can Be Measured, and It Varies among Individuals

A. Variable
• (A characteristic or attribute)
• Varies
• (Can assume different valuesor scores for different
individuals)

• Measured (Can be assessed on an instrument or

observed and recorded on an instrument)
Distinguish between Variables measured as
Categories and as Continious score

• 1. A variable measured in
categories
• 2. A variable measured as
continious
The Family of Variables
• With these definitions in mind, we can now discuss the different types of variables
incorporated
• into quantitative purpose statements, research questions, and hypotheses.
Understanding
• the “family of variables” requires learning the definition of each type of variable
• and understanding its role in providing direction for a study.
• This “family” is shown in Figure 4.3. In this discussion you will learn about each type
• of variable listed in this figure, starting with the most important variables: the
dependent,
• independent, and intervening variables. As shown in this figure, a useful way to think
• about organizing these variables is to consider them in a cause-and-effect relationship
• (Tuckman,1999). What variables influence outcomes? Ask yourself:
• 1. What outcomes in my study am I trying to explain? (the dependent variables)
• 2. What variables or factors influence the outcomes? (the independent variables)
• 3. What variables do I need to also measure (i.e., control) so that I can make sure that
• my major factors influence outcomes and not other factors? (the control variables
• and the mediating variables)
• 4. What variables might influence the outcomes but cannot or will not be measured?
• (the confounding variables
Independent and Dependent Variables
Independent variable is influences the dependent variable through
the intervening variable.
Independent variables used to see what the effect they have on
results.

Dependent Variable is an attribute or character of acteristic dependent

on influenced by the independent variable.
Dependent variables used to get the result that the researcher want to
predict and explain.

Ex: Do student who spend more instructional time in class on math

have higher math scores than student who spend less time?
Independent variable : time on math instruction
Dependent variable : math scores