Variable

How it is used

In an experiment, the researcher changes the independent variable and measures its effect on the dependent variable. Other types include control, confounding, moderating and mediating variables. Researchers measure, control for and operationalize variables.

Example sentences

1. Gender and age were included as control variables.

2. The dependent variable was the number of words students recalled correctly.

Common collocations

• independent variable
• dependent variable
• control for a variable
• confounding variable
• measure a variable

Related terms

• hypothesisA testable statement that predicts a relationship or outcome, which a study then supports or fails to support with evidence.
• correlationA statistical relationship between two variables in which they tend to change together, either in the same or in opposite directions.
• quantitativeDescribing research that collects numerical data and uses statistics to measure, compare or test relationships, often with larger samples.
• control groupA group of participants in an experiment who do not receive the treatment being tested, so that their results can be compared with those who do.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• variable · Software Engineering
• variable · Data Science & Analytics
• variable · Biology
• variable · Mathematics
• variable · Statistics
• variable · Sociology

More terms: Research Design

• research
• research question
• methodology
• qualitative
• sample
• participant
• questionnaire
• case study
• carry out
• validity
• reliability
• mixed methods