Independent and dependent variables
Both independent and dependent variables are the key components of scientific research. They are specific properties, characteristics, conditions or traits of thing or any topic in question. These variables are instrumental in framing questions, formulating research hypothesis, data collection and measurement, to construct cause and effect relationship, test research ideas etc. so, lets understand in detail of key variables used in research process or day-to-day though process.
Defining variables: Definition and examples
In simple words, variables are specific properties characteristics conditions or traits of sample which can be manipulated, controlled or altered by researchers to ensure clear outcome or result. Undeniably, these are the vital components of scientific research. Because, variables allow researchers to test ideas,help in data collection, frame quarries and find cause and effect relationship.
Obviously, these factors are called variables because they vary in value from subject to subject in the study. And, these variables help researchers to examine, measure, describe and interpret data, values taken from sample. Independent, dependent, extraneous and controlled variables are the major types of variables used in research process.
Understanding types of variables
Independent variable
Dependent variable
Extraneous variable
Controlled variable
Independent variable: role and importance
In simple terms, independent variable is a cause in cause and effect relationship. It doesn’t get affected by any other variables. So,it stands alone. Researchers in research control or manipulate this variable to affect or impact dependent variable. Hence, it is also called controlled or manipulated variable.
For example, the amount of starter feed provided to a baby chick for duration of six weeks to ensure the healthy growth and weight of baby chick. Here, amount of starter feed is the independent variable and healthy growth and weight is the dependent variable. Therefore, by changing the amount of starter feed, researchers can affect or impact the result or outcome.
Dependent variable: role and examples
In the contrary to independent variable, it is called result, outcome or effect. This is the thing that researchers want to measure in an experiment. It doesn’t stand alone but directly depends upon the changes in the independent variable.
For example, let’s consider earlier example of starter feed for baby chick. The growth and weight of baby chick after consuming specific starter feed is the effect of quality and amount of starter feed. As I mentioned earlier that the growth and weight of baby chick is the effect or outcome that researchers want to measure or test. So, it is called dependent variable.
Extraneous variable vs controlled variable
Technically speaking, any unmeasured factor that might have potential to alter final outcome if it is left uncontrolled is called extraneous variable. On the other hand, if any such factor is controlled or kept constant during process to ensure correct outcome or result is termed as controlled variable.
For example, considered starter feed example, apart from starter feed, if we fail to manage fluctuations in temperature during six weeks, it may adversely affect the final outcome.so, it is known as extraneous variable. And, if researchers manage to control temperature fluctuations then it becomes controlled variable. Because, it is not going to affect final result.
Role and functions of variables
As I explained earlier that variable is the key component of research process. Researchers who pay close attention to the identification and manipulation of variables will be better equipped to draw meaningful interpretations and contribute to the body of knowledge within their respective fields.
Variable plays various roles in research process. It helps in establishing cause and effect relationship, test ideas, data collection, measure data, and frame questions and queries. If you collect and measure data, then it is easier to prove given logical guess in the light of such facts. This is the reason why these variables help in testing hypothesis in research.
It not only guides in hypothesis testing but formation of testable hypothesis as well. Because, both independent and dependent variables are used in framing knowledgeable guess or prediction of sample. In experimental research, the interaction between independent and dependent variables is critical for testing hypotheses and drawing meaningful conclusions.
So, needless to say that without proper understanding the core component of research: independent, dependent, extraneous and controlled variables, we can’t handle abstract ideas and reach at the measurable results. This is the power of variables in research process.