Page 19 - Quantitative Data Analysis

Quantitative Data Analysis
Simply Explained Using SPSS

Types of Variables

According to statistical procedures, there are mainly two types of
variables:

1. Dependent Variable: The dependent variable is the
outcome of interest, which should change in response to
some intervention (i.e., Treatment effect).

2. Independent Variable: The independent variable is the
intervention, or what is being manipulated (i.e., Treatment
or intervention).

1. Example - 1: Examine the impact of using cooperative
teaching methods versus using lecture teaching methods in
science achievements score at secondary level.

a. Independent variable: teaching method

b. Dependent variable: science achievements scores

Explanation: Because science achievement scores depend upon
teaching method. Teaching method is independent; it does not
depend on science achievements scores.

2. Example - 2: Do high school males report greater
participation in risky health-related behaviors than high
school females?

a. Independent variable: gender (male or female)

b. Dependent variable: amount of participation in
risky health-related behavior

Explanation: Amount of participation in risky health-related
behavior depends upon gender (either male or female).

The Theory and Applications of Statistical Inferences 3