The Language of ‘Variables’
The Language of ‘Variables’
Variable:
Any observation that can take different values Attribute: A specific value on a variable
The Nature of Research
The Language of ‘Variables’
Variable: Attribute:
Exampl e Sex or gender Female; male
The Nature of Research
The Language of ‘Variables’ Exampl e Variable: Agreement Attribute: 1 = strongly disagree 2 = disagree 3 = neutral 4 = agree 5 = strongly agree The Nature of Research
Types of Variables
Independent Leads to or causes something : else Dependent Is affected by other variable(s) :
Types of Variables Independen t
Dependen t
Academic achievement
Types of Variables Independen t
Dependen t
Family structure
Academic achievement
Types of Variables Independen t
Dependen t
Family structure Economic status
Academic achievement
Types of Variables Independen t
Dependen t
Family structure Economic status Schooling
Academic achievement
Types of Variables Independen t
Dependen t
Family structure Economic status Schooling Special tutoring
Academic achievement
Types of Variables Independen t
Dependen t
Family structure Not manipulable
Economic status Schooling Special tutoring
Academic achievement
Types of Variables Independent
Dependent
Family structure Not manipulable
Economic status Schooling
Manipulable Special tutoring
Academic achievement
Operational Definition Theory or idea
Operational Definition Theory or idea
Operational Definition Theory or idea
Realit y
Operational Definition Theory or idea
Realit y
Selfesteem
Operational Definition Theory or idea
Selfesteem
I feel good about myself...
Realit y
1 SD
2 D
3 N
4 A
5 SA
Operational Definition Theory or idea
Selfesteem Operational definition I feel good about myself...
Realit y
1 SD
2 D
3 N
4 A
5 SA
Constructs Selfesteem
Constructs Selfesteem
Operational definition
Operational definition Operational definition
Constructs Selfesteem
Operational definition
Indicator s
Operational definition Operational definition
Constructs Selfesteem
Operational definition
Each indicator is a fallible reflection of the construct. Operational definition
Operational definition