Independent vs Dependent Variables

Statistical Relationships

• Dependent and Independent Variables

  • Change in one variable relates to change in another

  • Relationships do not imply causation

Dependent Variable

• Changes due to another variable

• Not manipulated by researcher

• Outcome/effect in cause-and-effect relationship

Independent Variable

• Changes independently of another variable

• Controlled/manipulated by researcher

• Cause/predictor in a cause-and-effect relationship

Identifying Variables

• Examples:

  • Offender age vs. time to reoffend (Age: Independent, Time: Dependent)

  • Fear of crime vs. gender (Fear: Dependent, Gender: Independent)

  • Socioeconomic status vs. perceived police legitimacy (SES: Independent, Legitimacy: Dependent)

COVID-19 Compliance Study

• Dependent variable: Self-reported compliance with lockdown measures

  • Measured compliance index: 0 (non-compliance) to 5 (full compliance)

• Independent variables:

  • Sanction risk: Perceived likelihood of detection

  • Health risks: Risk to self and others measured on a scale (1-5)

  • Severity of COVID-19 assessed on a scale (1-5)

Statistical Analysis

• Regression analysis used to evaluate relationships

• Significant variables identified with p-values

• Summary includes R² and adjusted R² values for model fit

Summary Notes

• Understand definitions of dependent and independent variables

• Distinguish between the two for analysis purposes.