TYPES OF VARIABLES

Independent (IV)

the variable that is manipulated, changed or chosen by the researcher to observe its effects. The “Cause” or the predictor.

Dependent (DV)

the variable that is measured or observed; it changes in response to the independent variable. The “Effect” or the outcome

Moderating

a variable that alters the strength or direction of the relationship between the IV and DV

Mediating

A variable that explains the underlying mechanism or why the relationship between IV and DV exists

Control/Extraneous

variables kept constant to ensure they do not accidentally influence the outcome of the study

Quantitative: Continuous

variables measure on a scale where infinitely many values exist between any two points. Involves fractions/decimals (e.g., time, weight)

Quantitative: Discrete

Variables counted ub distinct, whole numbers with no fractions possible (e.g., people, cars)

Qualitative: Nominal

categorical variables with names or labels that have no inherent rank, order, or numerical value

Qualitative: Ordinal

categorical variables that have a clear, logical order or ranking, but the distance between ranks isn’t uniform