For a research study, its variables are the most important parts. Whether you are a researcher or learning about variables, identifying them is vital. In any way, you will be able to get the hang of it. This article can help you not only identify the variables but differentiate between them. Learning these skills supports the process of developing a good piece of research.
In this article, you will learn three methods for identifying variables. You will understand the independent and dependent variables at first. Then you will know how to identify the variables in equations. You will then learn to identify through graphing the independent and dependent variables.
1. Understanding Independent And Dependent Variables
Identifying variables is only possible if you understand the nature of two variables. Simply put, an independent variable is the one that the researcher manipulates in a study. In contrast, the dependent variable is the response variable. In other words, the independent variable is the antecedent, and the dependent variable is the consequent. In a study, the independent variable does not affect other variables. The researcher changes the independent variable to see its effect on other variables.
Let's suppose a researcher wants to understand the impact of different levels of doses; dose is an independent variable. Think of the relationship between independent and dependent variables as a cause and effect relationship. Thus, the independent variable is the one causing or triggering a change. In comparison, the dependent variable becomes the effect.
You must treat the dependent variable as an outcome. An outcome of the phenomenon that causes the change. Thus, a dependent variable behaves like an effect or result. A research study aims at predicting the dependent variable. As the independent variable changes, the dependent variable indicates the ultimate effect. The dependent variable has several features, and one of them is at the core of it. The dependent variable cannot bring any change to the independent variable.
Differentiating between the two becomes easier when you remember this simple rule. Ask yourself if it makes sense that one leading the other. It becomes even easier to differentiate if you plug these variables into sentences. For example, longer study hours can affect test scores. In this statement, study hours are an independent variable, whereas test score is dependent. Thus, putting these variables in statements or sentences makes it easier to understand the change. Another way of understanding the variables is the use of equations that is the second method.
2. Identify Variables Through Equations
Writing variables in a statement helps a lot. You can turn these statements into equations as well. It makes it easier to identify which is which. When the variables are quantifiable, making equations is even easier. You can develop a mathematical equation based on the relationship between variables. The variable causing the change in the other variable is the independent variable. The other one is the dependent variable. You can first develop statements expressed in quantities or measures. It brings clarity and helps in understanding the relationship between the two variables. Once you make a statement, turn them into equations. For example, a worker earns three times the number of jobs he completes in a day.
Let's put this into the perspective of independent and dependent variables. If we say that "S" is the total wage he earns and "n" is the number of jobs he completes in a day. Then, you see that the total wage is S which is equal to 3 times n. Now, you easily identify independent and dependent variables. The amount of wage depends on the number of jobs he completes in a day. This means S depends on the n. In other words, S = 3n, implying that S is the dependent variable whereas n is the independent variable. As the value of n changes, it will affect the value of S.
Thus, S will be an outcome variable. The CEO of PhD dissertation writing service firm said, an equation makes it easier to identify variables as well as their relationship. By practising with the values of the independent variable in the equation, you can get a better idea.
3. Graphing Independent And Dependent Variable
Graphing is another great tool for identifying the independent and dependent variables. Graphing can help define the relationship between the two. Start graphing your dependent variable on the y-axis. Y-axis is the vertical line on the graph. Your x-axis is the horizontal lines on the graph. The x-axis represents the dependent variable. The x-axis and the y-axis can take several values which should be in line with the measurement.
For instance, the scale for graphing the number of jobs is associated with the nature of the job. In other words, there must be a certain amount of jobs that he can perform in a day. Thus, a researcher decides the scales for the independent and dependent variables. A researcher sometimes do this based on his intuition. Sometimes, the researcher can find the exact range within which the variable moves. Once you are able to decide the scales for both the x-axis and y-axis, plot the coordinates.
According to the dissertation writing services firm, it means to choose a point on the x-axis and derive the equation from seeing the resulting value. This resulting value is the value of a dependent variable. Thus, you can graph several values for the independent variables, i.e., the x-axis. Then you plot the resulting value on the y-axis as the value of the dependent variable. By plotting these values, you can identify a pattern in the dots.
Thus, the three methods discussed in this article will help you in several ways. It will help in defining and understanding the variables. Once you understand variables, it will help you identify and differentiate as well. Putting your variables into sentences is an efficient tool to identify these variables.
In addition, develop equations based on the relationship between the variables. It will support your narrative regarding the variables. In the end, use the graphing tool to identify patterns that can ensure you about the variables. Thus, you will be able to define independent and dependent variables by these methods.
