Both dependent and independent variables are changeable factors or conditions you are observing events or phenomenon. They are correlated with each other as the dependent is an effect of independent variables.
“Children belong to poor income families have higher chances of malnutrition”.
It means that malnutrition is an effect of lower income. Here, poor income causes incidents of malnutrition in children.
Differentiating between dependent and independent variables
Simply, causal relationship between two different factors or conditions you are observing events or phenomenon is termed as variables.
As per defination, causal link or correlation is necessary condition between two variables. It means that whichever is causing effect is the independent and whichever is getting affected is dependent variable.
“If you study properly, the chances of getting failure is unlikely”.
In this case, proper study is directly correlated with the success and failure of students. Therefore, one only could fail to succeed when he or she ignore to study properly.
Here, clearly, “If you study properly” is an independent; whereas, “The chances of getting failure is unlikely” dependent.
Why do researchers manipulate independent variable?
Usually, dependent always subject to affect with the changes made in independent. As the independent is causal force for dependent.
If you want to recorrect the negative results you are predicting, it is indispensable to manipulate independent variable. This is why researchers manipulate independent variable to affect dependent.
“Cotton crop is more favorable in black regur black soil”.
In this example, regur black soil affects the productivity of cotton production. This can be rewritten as like, “Cotton grown in regur black soil has more productivity.”
So, you need to cultivate cotton crop in the recommended soil to avoid loss of production. Otherwise, predicted loss is inevitable.
Variables as predicted probabilities
No variable could be absolutely true or false but relatively. Like hypothesis, variables too are subject to support instead proved.
For formulating a testable hypothesis, both independent and dependent variables and properly used to guide research.
Understandably, the quality of variables directly linked with more and more repeated observations,as well as rigorous background research.
Role of independent and dependent variables
Variables whether they are independent or dependent, are specific features or factors of a thing we research.
Changes either positive or negative made in the independent will definitely impact the nature and constituents of dependent in the same degree and intensity.
Properties of independent variable
Independent variable has a causal force to bring changes in the dependent variable. It means that nothing is there to change the nature of independent variable.
In research, researchers always emphasis to manipulate independent variable so as to bring desired results in the dependent one.
Examples of independent and dependent variables
- “Genetic engineering is essential to ensure food security in twenty-first century”.
- Genetic modification in certain foodgrain species may increase the productivity and production. (Independent variable)
- Food security in the twenty-first century would be a big challenge. (Dependent variable)
Role and Importance of independent variable
Here, you should not forget that your target of research is independent variable and your goal is dependent one. In other words, you have to make changes in independent variable in relation to the goal set in dependent.
In the above example, “Food security is your goal but to make it real, genetic engineering is compulsion”.
First of all, let’s find out relations between two variables from above example.
- How does genetic engineering help to increase foodgrains production?
- And, is it possible to achieve food security with only genetic engineering for longer periods?
- Will it achieve mere foodgrains security or proper nutritional security?
- What are the crops in which genetic modification is naturally possible?
- What cost do We need to pay to achieve this?
- Are there any other alternatives to gene modification?
- Will it be affordable or class specific?
These questions highlight how changes in one variables in degree and intensity bring changes in other dependent variables.
This is the reason why researchers across the world focus on to manipulate the independent variable to bring desired results in dependent.
Identification of variables in statement
It is the most important thing before we proceed to research. Once you differentiate between two variables, your target becomes clear.
Whether you are going to answer a question or doing research, it is imperative to recognise between two variables. Therefore, understanding role of variables and their cause-effect relations in the scientific research is so vital.
Final thought on variables,
Dependent and independent variables are inevitable to form hypothesis. Independent variable determines the fate of dependent. Dependent variable directly get affected any changes made in independent. Usually, researchers manipulate the independent variable to bring desired results.
Solved Questions on variables
Q. 1. What is mean by variables?
Ans: Variables are changeable factors or conditions you are observing events or phenomenon. They are correlated with each other as the dependent is an effect of independent.
Both variables are indispensable to form research statement or hypothesis.
Q. 2. What is the role of variables in scientific research?
Ans: There is a causal link between two variables statements. Dependent is effect of independent. Both are essential to form research statement or hypothesis. Researchers always manipulate the independent to bring desired results in dependent.
Elasticity and inelasticity of demand
Subordinating conjunctions of time
Alternative coordinating conjunctions
Writing hypothesis in research