Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which type of variable answers the question 'how many' or 'how much'?
Which type of variable answers the question 'how many' or 'how much'?
What characteristic defines a continuous variable?
What characteristic defines a continuous variable?
Which variable type can be ranked or ordered?
Which variable type can be ranked or ordered?
In an experiment, what is the independent variable?
In an experiment, what is the independent variable?
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Which of the following is an example of a discrete variable?
Which of the following is an example of a discrete variable?
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Which of the following best describes a categorical variable?
Which of the following best describes a categorical variable?
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What type of categorical variable can only represent two categories?
What type of categorical variable can only represent two categories?
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What distinguishes a criterion variable from a predictor variable?
What distinguishes a criterion variable from a predictor variable?
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What is the dependent variable in the study on learning styles and academic performance of Grade 12 students?
What is the dependent variable in the study on learning styles and academic performance of Grade 12 students?
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Which variable is known as the predictor variable in the context of non-experimental research?
Which variable is known as the predictor variable in the context of non-experimental research?
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Which of the following best describes an extraneous variable?
Which of the following best describes an extraneous variable?
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In the example of the conduct of a career orientation program and its influence on students’ choice of specialization, what is the criterion variable?
In the example of the conduct of a career orientation program and its influence on students’ choice of specialization, what is the criterion variable?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of non-experimental research?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of non-experimental research?
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What term is used for the variable that may be influenced or changed by the predictor variable?
What term is used for the variable that may be influenced or changed by the predictor variable?
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Which of the following is an example of an extraneous variable in an educational study?
Which of the following is an example of an extraneous variable in an educational study?
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What does the term 'independent variable' refer to in research?
What does the term 'independent variable' refer to in research?
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Study Notes
Objectives of Study
- Define variables and their roles in research.
- Compare and contrast different types of variables.
- Identify independent, dependent, and extraneous variables.
- Differentiate between predictor and criterion variables.
Understanding Variables
- Originates from "vary," meaning "change."
- Classified into several types: numeric, experimental, non-experimental, and categorical.
Numeric Variables
- Answer questions of quantity such as "how many" or "how much."
- Continuous Variables: Infinite data that can assume any value within a set (e.g., time, age, weight).
- Discrete Variables: Finite, can only assume specific whole numbers (e.g., number of students, COVID-19 cases).
Categorical Variables
- Describe qualities or characteristics of data in categories or groups.
- Ordinal Variables: Values can be ranked or ordered (e.g., academic grades).
- Nominal Variables: Values cannot be ranked (e.g., religion, colors).
- Dichotomous Variables: Only two categories (e.g., male/female).
- Polychotomous Variables: Many categories (e.g., performance levels).
Experimental Variables
- Describe factors that differ between tested and controlled samples.
- Independent Variable: Manipulated by the researcher; differs among groups (e.g., learning styles).
- Dependent Variable: Affected by the independent variable; often predicted (e.g., academic performance).
- Extraneous Variable: External variables not controlled but may affect outcomes (e.g., study environment).
Non-Experimental Variables
- Do not involve manipulation; variables are measured as they naturally occur.
- Predictor Variable: Influences other variables; analogous to independent variable (e.g., career orientation impact).
- Criterion Variable: Influenced by the predictor variable; similar to dependent variable in experimental research (e.g., choice of specialization).
Summary of Key Concepts
- Experimental research involves manipulation of independent variables to observe impact on dependent variables, while non-experimental research assesses naturally occurring variables without manipulation.
- Understanding the distinction between variable types is crucial for effective research design and analysis.
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Description
Test your understanding of different types of research variables in this quiz. You'll explore definitions, compare independent and dependent variables, and differentiate between predictor and criterion variables. Ideal for students studying research methodology.
