MODULE 1: THE NATURE OF INQUIRY AND RESEARCH

INTRO TO MED LAB SCIENCE RESEARCH (RES 1N)

I. A. Learning Objectives:
1. Familiarize, define and discuss the key concepts of inquiry, its meaning and importance
2. Apply the concepts of inquiry in our daily living
3. Describe the outcomes of inquiry.

II. Learning Tasks

1. Lesson Content

THE NATURE OF INQUIRY AND RESEARCH

The twenty-first century has brought about many changes in the way people live and adapt to their
environment. In this age of information technology, the possession of the necessary skills on the acquisition of
knowledge has already become an imperative. People from all walks of life should be informed and adopt to
the fast- changing times. The people of today have grown more inquisitive and sophisticated in the way they
deal with life. Our present environment changes speedily at a very fast pace; thus, people need to reinvent
themselves in order to easily cope with the changing times so as not to be left behind.

The Meaning of Inquiry

Inquiry is defined as the “quest for truth, information, or knowledge through questioning” (“How People
Learn”,1999). The process of inquiry follows the developmental stage of a person, which proceeds from “womb
to tomb”. Inquiry begins when a person is born; an infant starts to grasp his surroundings, and gathers
information and data using the human senses: seeing, hearing, smelling, touching and tasting. The
progression of inquiry continues as the child grows up, develops and perceives his own environment. He forms
his own concepts and interpretations and creates his own meaning based on a given stimulus. An individual
makes sense of the world around him by inquiring. At times, the individual does not even reflect upon its
process. This procedure goes on until the person dies.
Inquiry denotes participation that leads to acceptance. Involvement in the learning process leads to the
mastery of skills and attitudes which are necessary in the search for answers to questions. Inquiry is also
important in the construction of new knowledge and resolution of problems and issues.

Importance of Inquiry - generation and transmission of knowledge.

Today’s generation of people are very much overwhelmed by the so called “information revolution”.
Data flood the internet, which makes information easily accessible and readily available to researchers.
However, these data and information could change every single minute. Thus, memorization of facts is no
longer encouraged at present. More than simply memorizing, an understanding on how data and information
maybe explored and used productively is man’s greatest challenge today.

The learners must go beyond information accumulation and move toward the application of useful and
relevant knowledge. For example, it is not enough that the government agencies collect the data of the disaster
stricken provinces affected by the typhoon. The concerned government officials must be able to translate how
these data could be utilized to address the needs of the affected families. This way, information becomes an
“aid” in itself. Through the process of inquiry, individuals construct much of their understanding of the world.
Inquiry implies a “need or want to know” premise.

“Inquiry is not so much seeking the right answer- because often there is none- but rather seeking appropriate
resolutions to questions and issues. (Exline, 2004)
 The subject area content is only a means to an end, and not the end in itself. The knowledge
foundation for the different subject areas is constantly enlarging and changing. No one can ever learn all the
knowledge in the universe, but everyone can better develop their skills and nurture the inquiring attitudes
necessary to continue the generation and examination of knowledge throughout their lives.

Therefore, inquiry is important in the generation and transmission of knowledge. This is essential
because the source of knowledge is constantly increasing. Inquiry also helps develop higher order information
literacy and critical thinking skills. For modern education, the skills and the ability to carry on learning to the
next higher level should be the most important outcomes.

Write 2-3 sentences of what you can say about this phrase.

“Inquiry is not so much seeking the right answer- because often there is none- but rather seeking
appropriate resolutions to questions and issues”
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________

The Application of Inquiry

Inquiry learning can be applied to all disciplines and all facets of life. Learning is a continuous process.
A person never stops learning while he breathes. Individuals have different perspectives in viewing the world.
Such views could include the artistic, scientific, historic, economic, and other viewpoints. While disciplines
should interconnect with one another, inquiry learning includes the application of certain specific “ground rules”
that safeguard the integrity of the various disciplines and their world views.

Outcomes of Inquiry
A practical knowledge about the world should be an important outcome of inquiry. The way the world is
organized, how it changes, and how people interrelate and communicate about the world they live in. There
are important concepts, issues and questions that people will face throughout their lives. Inquiry provides
individuals with different ways of viewing the world, communicating about it, and successfully coping with the
questions and issues of everyday life. It is for this reason that the school should provide a relevant and
collective framework for effective learning.

Questioning and searching for answers are extremely important parts of inquiry, aided by a conceptual
framework for learning. Students should not be focused only on content as the ultimate outcome of learning.
Well-designated inquiry-learning activities and interactions should be established in a conceptual context so as
to help students accumulate knowledge as they advance in age. Inquiry, therefore, should be about a greater
understanding of the world we live in.

References:

Cristobal, A., Cristobal, M. (2016). Practical Research 1.C &E Publishing, Inc.
Uy, C., Cabauatan R., De Castro, B., Grajo, J., (2016). Practical Research 2. C &E Publishing, Inc

MODULE 2 : RESEARCH AN OVERVIEW

A. Learning Objectives:
1. Define and explain the meaning of research
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 2. Enumerate and explain the types of research
3. Cite some examples of research topics that may be explored to aid the researcher in the choice of a
topic.

Lesson Content
DEFINITION OF RESEARCH

Over the years, many experts have given their own definition of the word “research”. Different perspectives
on the subject have been adopted that resulted to its many definitions. Some of these are as follows:

a. Research follows a step-by-step process of investigation that uses a standardized approach in

answering questions or solving problems (Polit & Beck, 2004)
b. Research plays an important role in tertiary education. Though there are many problems confronted by
higher education, developments are realized through research. After all, its main purpose is to answer a
question or to solve an issue (Palispis, 2004).
c. Research is a continuous undertaking of making known of the unknown (Sanchez, 2002). It entails an
investigation of new facts leading to the discovery of new ideas, methods or improvements. It is an
attempt to widen one’s outlook in life. It always proceeds from the known to the unknown. Thus, the end
of research is to arrive at a new truth.
d. Research is a careful examination of problems that is continuously conducted. It is an examination that
justifies and defines or redefines existing facts in which new knowledge can be generated.
e. Research is an investigation following an ordered steps leading to a discovery of new information or
concepts (Sanchez, 1999).
f. Research is a very careful investigation of something that purports the contribution of additional or new
knowledge and wisdom (Bassey, as cited by Coleman &Briggs, 2002).
g. Research is a tested approach of thinking and employing validated instruments and steps in order to
obtain a more adequate solution to a problem that is otherwise impossible to address under ordinary
means (Crawford, as cited by Alcantara & Espina, 1995).

II. Lesson Content

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

The abovementioned definitions of research according to the experts can lead to the following common
characteristics of research:

1. The research should be systematic.

- There is a system to follow in conducting research as there is a system for formulating each of its
part.There is a big system (macro) and under them are little system (micro). In research writing,
what is referred to as the “system” is the composition of chapters and the elements of each. The
macrosystem is the composition of chapters so that they are organized in a logical and scientific
manner. The microsystem is the formulation of the detailed content of each chapter. The contents
are further divided into elements. The making of each element likewise follows a systematic
procedure.
2. The research should be objective.
- Research involves the objective process of analyzing phenomena of importance to any profession
or in different fields or disciplines (Nieswiadomy, 2005). A researcher should look at the basis on
which the work is founded objectively. He/she must never produce results out of nowhere; the
results after being determined should be verified and validated. These results must never be based
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 from biases or out of respect of any personality or organization. It is very important for the
researcher to clarify indicators and boundaries within which the research is confined because these
factors could affect objectivity.

3. The research should be feasible.

- In any profession, any problem of extraordinary nature that directly or indirectly affects the
profession is a feasible problem to study. In settings like in the community, school, or workplace,
unusual phenomena may happen and can turn into potential problems.

4. The research should be empirical.

- There should be supporting pieces of evidence and accompanying details for every different
variables used in the study. References and citations of facts and information that the researcher
has gathered in his/her paper must not be forgotten as well. Plagiarism constitutes claiming
another person’s idea or intellectual property as one’s own. Through proper attribution, the
researcher states that the knowledge being shared through the study was taken from the study of
other experts.

5. The research should be clear.

- The choice of variables used in the study should be explained by the researcher. This can be done
by enriching the review of literature or by discussing the different theories on which the selection of
the variables are based. Therefore, there must be sufficient indicators for each variable. These
variables can be gathered from different published and unpublished materials.

ROLES OF THE RESEARCHER

According to Nieswiadomy (2005), the researcher serves different roles in a study. These are as
follows:
1. Principal investigator
2. Member of a research team
3. Identifier of researchable problems
4. Evaluator of research findings
5. User of research findings
6. Patient or Client advocate during study
7. Subject/ Respondent/ Participant

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

Research is as important as any field of study. Its significance cut across all disciplines, engineering,
architecture, medical, arts and sciences, education, management, tourism, among others. It also
benefits all the strata of the society- people with diverse jobs, different income rates, varying financial
status, or distinct social and political capabilities. Research is very important that it affects the living and
the non-living elements of the universe.
As such, the following are the importance of research:

1. Research provides a scientific basis for any practice or methodology in any field or discipline. This is
important since the entire system or operation and all the stakeholders of the institution or organization
is at stake. For example, in the field of medicine, a new drug must be tested first to determine its
efficacy in curing sickness before its actual prescription.

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 2. Research is undertaken for the continuous development and for further productivity of any field such
as education, management, business, engineering, etc. The system to be utilized in any organization
must be tried first to determine its value and it must be better from the previous system used. To put it
simply, research is the result of advancing knowledge from the past.
3. Research develops tools for assessing effectiveness of any practice and operation. Tools like the
psychological tests, intelligence quotient tests, psychological assessments, etc.
4. Research provides solutions to problems concerning almost all issues encountered in the different
areas of work. For example, some of the issues include the timeliness of employees, incentives given
to the staff, sportsmanship among the school athletes, and implementation of a “clean and green”
program in school.
5. Research impacts decision-making. It is a common mistake for people to make decisions without
solid information to back them up. It requires time, effort and sometimes money to gather the evidence
needed for making a sound decision. For example, for a teacher to change his/ her teaching
methodology for the first period and the last period classes, he/she must conduct a study considering
the time element, enthusiasm to teach, academic standing of the students, instructional aides used,
and several other factors.
6. Research develops and evaluates alternative approaches to the educational aspects of any
discipline. This enables the students to gain broad knowledge and specialized skills for safe practice.
For example, the research can help determine between lecture and experiment as the best way to
teach Science.
7. Research aims to advance the personal and professional qualifications of a practitioner.

GOALS FOR CONDUCTING RESEARCH

Research is a scientific endeavor which serves many goals in different fields (workplaces,
organizations: profit or non-profit; governmental or non-governmental), educational disciplines
(medicine, engineering, science, arts, humanities and information technology), and the personal life of
the researcher. Some of these are as follows:

1. To produce evidence-based practice. Every discipline or institution must provide the best practice of
operation based from research studies. In the health profession, for example, a professional nursing
practitioner must ensure that he/she is able to give proper health care to his/her patient. To do this, only
the best clinical practices as proven by nursing research should be provided.
2. To establish credibility in the profession. A profession is defined by the body of knowledge and
discipline it employs. In line with this, research is essential for a profession in producing new
procedures, programs, and practices. This continuous improvement leads to distinctiveness which can
only be achieved when there are special practices and peculiarity of services in a given area or field.
This sense of individuality contributes to the credibility of a profession.
3. To observe accountability for the profession. Every action conducted by a professional must have a
rationale. There are principles that justify why a nurse has to wash his/ her hands regularly, why a
teacher has to prepare a lesson plan, why a manager needs to plan ahead, why a businessman need
to conduct feasibility studies, and many more. The nurse/ teacher/ manager/ businessman must be
accountable for each task he/she performs. All tasks must be carried out with the circumspect care and
awareness that everything has to be done efficiently.
4. To promote cost-effectiveness though documentation. The findings of research must be shared
with and utilized by the individuals, group, community, for which the study is intended. It is useless if its
results are not made known publicly. These results, however, must first satisfy the researcher’s goals

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 before he/she can share them with other researchers and professionals who may find these findings
beneficial. Anybody who is in the same condition as the subject/s of the study may also utilize the
findings, thus saving on expenses for doing the same research again. The only they have to do is to
look research on the study findings. In this manner, research becomes cost-effective.

References:

Cristobal, A., Cristobal, M. (2016). Practical Research 1.C &E Publishing, Inc.

Uy, C., Cabauatan R., De Castro, B., Grajo, J., (2016). Practical Research 2. C &E Publishing, Inc.

MODULE 3: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH DESIGNS

A. Learning Objectives:
1. Recall the kinds of research designs and characteristics of qualitative research
2. Describe the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of quantitative research
3. Illustrate the importance of quantitative research across fields

Lesson Content
RESEARCH DESIGNS

In doing research project, it is important that the approach to be used in the project be properly
identified. The choice of the approach determines what tools to use. The researcher is the one who determines
the designs to be employed in the conduct of the investigation. Research designs may be classified into
qualitative and quantitative research.

Qualitative research is a method of inquiry used in various academic disciplines, usually in the social
sciences, but also in market research and varied perspectives. Qualitative researchers aim to gain a deeper
awareness of human behavior and the reasons that control such behavior. The qualitative method investigates
the why and how of decision making, not just what, where, when. Hence, smaller but focused samples are
more often used than large samples.

Generally, qualitative methods only produce information on specific cases rather than general
conclusions. Researchers doing qualitative study encounter many options in doing data collection like
interview, narration, storytelling, shadowing and others. Qualitative methods are also present in other
procedural approaches, such as action research. The most common method used in a qualitative research is
the interview. However, there are other forms of data collection which can also be used like group
discussions, observation and reflection field notes, various texts, pictures, and other materials.

For example, in a study on the presidentiables for the 2016 election in the Philippines, an interview of
the different candidates for president can be conducted to be able to compare their platforms of governance
and personal qualifications. In another instance, if the study is on the recruitment of student athletes in a high
school, coaches who are involved in the recruitment process may be interviewed to determine how they recruit
players.

Quantitative Research Defined

Quantitative research, also known as empirical research, is a type of inquiry where relations are
established through the collection of numerical data which are analyzed to derive generalization. It is a
systematic scientific analysis of data and their relationships. It specifically refers to tests or experiments that
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yield quantifiable values that can be analyzed using statistics, figures and mathematical models to provide
information that may be used in decision-making.

It aims to establish or validate relationships and to develop generalizations from the relationships. It is
usually more objective as the accumulated data is submitted to statistical analysis. Quantitative design often
depicts a study answering the “what” and “how many/ much” questions. This type of research involves
measuring or counting attributes.
The quantitative design is also employed to measure the incidence of various views and opinions in a
chosen sample. Structured techniques such as online questionnaires, telephone or street interviews are used
by the researcher. A quantitative approach is often concerned with finding evidence to either support or
contradict an idea or hypothesis. A hypothesis proposes a predicted answer to a research question. For
example, the researcher might want to propose that if young kids are exposed to internet games, it will
adversely affect their performance in school.

Data collected in a quantitative research usually come from a large sample of the population; the
prospective respondents are selected by the researcher. The results of the investigation are quantified,
summarized and analyzed. The findings are communicated and presented as tables, graphical displays, or
summary statistics in order to extract the necessary information that will guide the decision makers or
authorities in planning their final course of action and giving recommendations.

To illustrate, a comparative study is to be made on the presidential race poll surveys over the last
quarter of the campaign period. The result of the survey/ ranking can influence and guide the voting public as
to who among the candidates deserve their votes. A senior high school student may be interested to validate
that senior high school students in the National Capital Region (NCR) have good study habit. An instrument
may be designed to elicit information from samples from the NCR to support their claim.

Main Characteristics of the Quantitative Approach

1. The data are usually gathered using more structured research instruments.
2. The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the population.
3. The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability.
4. The researcher has a clearly defined research question to which objective answers are sought.
5. All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data are collected.
6. Data are in the form of numbers and statistics.
7. The project can be used to generalize concepts more widely, predict future results, or investigate
causal relationships.
8. The researcher uses questionnaires or other forms of research tools to collect numerical data.

Types of Quantitative research

Descriptive research involves the collection of data to either test a hypothesis or describe the variables
mentioned in the study. Data, which are typically numeric, are collected through surveys, interviews, or
observations. Most researches in science and technology, engineering, and social sciences use this type of
quantitative approach. For example, if you want to describe the process of photosynthesis, you have to
observe the occurrence of the event, write your observations, and integrate the data for description.

Correlational research attempts to determine the level of relation between two or more quantifiable variables.
The correlation between two variables does not mean that one variable causes the other, but it can be used to
predict their values. To determine the strength of the relationship, researchers get the correlation coefficient
and the p value.

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Causal-comparative research attempts to establish cause-effect relationships among the variables of the
study. In this research, the independent variable usually involves a demographic (e.g., gender race, social
status) in which the researcher has no control of. He or she will test how the independent variable will cause a
significant effect on the dependent variable, which is the outcome of the study. Here is an example: Low
percentage of jobless people (independent variable) reduces the poverty rate of the country (dependent
variable).

Experimental research is similar to causal-comparative research, in that it also measures the effect of the
independent variable (cause) to the dependent variable (effect); however, the researcher can control the
independent variables in the study, wherein the participants are randomly assigned.

Quasi- experimental designs are an alternative to determine the causes and effects between two variables
that cannot be subjected to experimental control. Most of the time, this design is used on a naturally given
phenomenon and its effect on the people who are experiencing the occurrence. One example is when you
want to know the effect of a calamity on its victims.

How Quantitative Research Works

There are three main assumptions in quantitative research: observing and explaining an occurrence,
collecting information, and analyzing the information. The combination of these three parts will result to well-
defined and well- researched findings.

First, the researcher observes and explains an occurrence. In explaining his observations, the
researcher may present them in the form of either a question or a hypothesis. In the case of a hypothesis, the
search for an explanation is in the form of a statement to be proved or disproved, depending on the goals of his
research.
In a quantitative design, the collection of information is very significant. Quantitative research is specifically
concerned with statistical information, also known as “data”. Since this type of research requires the use of
mathematical analysis in the investigation of what is being observed, it is expected that the data collected must
be in numbers. Finally, the data collected must be analyzed using statistics.

The data in quantitative design can be collected manually or through automation. This will depend on
the type of research and required level of accuracy and precision. Since some types of research values are
tabulated manually, while other types are automated, the reliability between manual and automated data
collection may vary.

Manual data collection is generally reliable for small data sets because the margin of error is
insignificant. The National Statistics Office for example, commonly uses survey research, a type of quantitative,
manual data collection. Other forms of manual collection include the use of measuring instruments like a timer,
scale and others. The measured values are read accurately before transcribing the results to a data collection
sheet/form. However, if more values are recorded, the result is more prone to human error.

The most accurate type of quantitative research in which the human error factor is totally omitted is the
automated data collection. Scientific research relies heavily on automated or computer-driven computations for
accurate and precise results. Using the timer, scale or other measuring device as examples, would require a
person to transfer the reading manually to a data sheet; an automated system would connect the device
directly to a computer and save the values automatically without the need to record it manually.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Quantitative research design is not a perfect model in conducting an investigation for it has its share of
weaknesses other than its strengths.

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Strengths
Data collection using the quantitative design is relatively faster and easier to do. It is especially useful
given a large sample or population, because it could speedily generate accurate, precise and credible results.
Data analysis is done through the us of statistical software, which is proven more effective inn validating
constructed hypotheses and theories. The results are more objective and are free from personal bias of the
researcher. The samples are randomly selected and are not in any way known or related to the researcher.
These factors make quantitative results more credible and reliable with people in authority. The study is also
replicable, and the instruments used may be re-used to further researches in the different fields and contexts.

Weaknesses
The statistical aspects of a quantitative study may be too technical for average readers to comprehend.
Another critique about a quantitative research design is its too much emphasis on statistical significance,
disregarding the importance of the effects involved in the study. The results might be too abstract and
extensive for direct application to particular local conditions and personages. Results of the study may also be
too limited as they only provide numeric interpretations rather than detailed narrative accounts of an
individual’s insights.

Quantitative Research Across Disciplines

There are different types of quantitative research that are used in various disciplines. In the fields of
science and technology, medicine, business, finance, entrepreneurship, economics, marketing, disaster
management, relief operations, and even in national elections, precise and accurate data is a requirement.
Quantitative research has also many applications in the medical field. In clinical research trials, some
common quantitative limits include pathology, cardiology, and physical measurements. Blood level contains a
measurable amount of white and red blood cel huls and electrolytes. Rather than physically counting each
sample, the data collection process is automated using a computer. This increase the accuracy and precision
of the results and also promotes consistency.

Quantitative research can also be applied in the household census being conducted by the National
Statistics Office (NSO) in order to determine the number of residents in every household in the entire
Philippines. The findings of this survey could generate a more detailed profile of the Filipino people, which
could possibly be used by the government in determining its national budget.

The quantitative approach is also most beneficial in market research to determine customer satisfaction
or dissatisfaction. A survey on the customer’s preference of fast food or restaurants could be a way to
determine which among them is the most preferred by the public. The same thing can be done with some
products (of different brands but the same category) to determine the consumer’s preference and the
marketability of these products. The results of the study will help businessmen and entrepreneurs shape the
future direction of their businesses.
In Finance, a comparative study of Foreign Exchange (FOREX) rates across countries can be made to
determine which among these countries has the soundest economy.
In the field of Information Technology, a comparative study of the results of an internet speed tests which are
being conducted by the National Telecommunications Commission will prove which among the different
internet providers in the Philippines has the fastest and most reliable internet connectivity.
In Education, a quantitative study of the student’s academic performance ratings may be a good indicator
As to which of the subject/s courses is most lied or disliked by the students. The student’s rankings based on
their academic performance are also easily accessible through the use of computer software.
In Disaster Management, a quantitative survey of the disaster hit areas whose people are most at risk and
most vulnerable can provide government agencies a clearer picture of the extent of damage/s and the needed
funding to be used for their rehabilitation.
These and a lot more only provides that in almost every facet of human life quantitative research is very much
evident.
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References:

Cristobal, A., Cristobal, M. (2016). Practical Research 1.C &E Publishing, Inc.
Uy, C., Cabauatan R., De Castro, B., Grajo, J., (2016). Practical Research 2. C &E Publishing, Inc

MODULE 4 THE USE OF VARIABLES IN RESEARCH

A. Learning Objectives:
1. Recall the concept of variable
2. Explore the different types and uses of variables, and how they may be used in research
3. Distinguish between a dependent and an independent variable.

Lesson Content

The main objective of research is to solve problems and improve the well-being of society and
humanity. Doing research is an exhaustive endeavor that requires careful or diligent search, purposeful inquiry,
investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts , revision of accepted
theories or laws in the light of new facts or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws, it can
also be the collection of information about a particular subject. (Webster, 1985).
Research cannot be possible without taking into account measurable factors that are subject to change due to
certain conditions or situations. Anything that can change in research due to circumstances is called a
variable.

Definition of a Variable
A variable is an object, event, idea, feeling, time period, or any other type of category which can be measured
(Kalof, Dan & Dietz, 2008).

Variables in Research
Many variables exist in research; however, it is extremely difficult to account for all of them because
what can be considered as a variable in one study may not necessarily be a variable in another study.
Essential to doing research is the identification of the variables to be used in the investigation. Variable is the
characteristics of a data set. A variable is something that can change, such as gender, which can be either
male or female; age which can be 10,15, 25, 37 or 40 years old. These two sample variables are typically the
focus of a study. Related to variables are characteristics which are sub-values of a variable, such as “male”
and “female” based on the variable gender. The attributes of the variable are the possible observations or the
data to be processed. A variable usually contains at least two values.

To further illustrate, in a study of high school student’s preference for toothpaste, the brand of
toothpaste is the variable. The different brands A, B, and C are the attributes. For each respondent, the
responses could be brand A, brand B, or brand C. If the study is on the effect of using technology in teaching a
Speech subject, effect is the variable. Responses could be limited to 1 , for “very effective”, 2 for “moderately
effective”, 3 for “not so effective”, and 4 for “ineffective”. The variable effect will thus take the attributes of 1,2,3
or 4 for every respondent.
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Characteristic of a Variable
It is important to note that variables may have the following characteristics:
 They have a prescriptive period /duration when they start and stop.
 They may have a pattern such as daily, weekly and monthly
 They are detailed though the summary is thorough and profound
 There may be dormancy which is the time gap between measuring dependent and independent
variable, because some things do not take effect right way

Types of Variables

All researches have at least two types of variables: independent and dependent. The independent
variable (IV), the input variable, is the probable cause of an event. It is independent of everything that
transpires during the experiment because once it is selected, it does not easily change. It is the variable that is
controlled by the researcher since he may manipulate to determine if it will effect change in the dependent
variable. It is like steering wheel of a vehicle that the researcher drives.
On the other hand, the dependent variable (DV), or outcome variable, is the outcome of the study. It is affected
by the independent variable. It changes as a result of the modifications made on the independent variable. It is
something that depends on other factors.

For example, for a study on factors affecting Filipino’s attitude towards health food, the dependent
variable is Filipino’s attitude towards health food since it is the subject of the study. The possible factors that
affect the attitude may be gender, age, economic status to name a few. These are the independent variables.
In a study to determine the effect of work experience, and gender and age on work performance, performance
ratings would be our dependent variable because it is dependent on certain factors. The independent variables
are work experience, gender and age. Work experience may be measured in number of years in the job,
gender may be male versus female, and age may be older versus younger employees.

To further illustrate, if a study would like to establish the effect of certain factors on test scores of
students, the dependent variable is test score. The independent variables may be the amount of study time
allotted by the student, the amount of sleep during the previous night, and the disposition of the student while
taking the test. Usually when looking for a relationship between two things, the researcher finds out what
makes the dependent variable change the way it does.

There are also extraneous variables which could provide alternative explanations or cast suspicion on
the conclusions. Note that in an experiment there may be additional variables outside the manipulated
independent variable and the measured dependent variables. It is up to the researcher to put up measures to
control these factors in the research process.

The Relationship between Dependent and Independent Variables

The relationship between independent variable and dependent variables is that independent variables
cause a change in the dependent variable. It is not possible for a dependent variable to cause a change in an
independent variable.

For example, time spent practicing/ rehearsing causes a change in performance rating and it is not
possible that performance ratings could cause a change in time spent practicing. Therefore, time spent

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practicing must be the independent variable and performance rating must be the dependent variable because
the sentence doesn’t make sense the other way around.

The other relationship can be traced from its terms independent and dependent referring to the
relationship between these two types of variables. The terms have meaning only with respect to each other. In
the case of dependent variable, its value or behavior is considered dependent, to an extent, upon the value of
the independent variable but not the other way around.

The other relationship can be traced can be traced from its terms independent and dependent referring
to the relationship between these two types of variables. The terms have meaning only with respect to each
other. In the case of the dependent variable, its value or behavior is considered dependent, to an extent, upon
the value of the independent variable but not the other way around. That is why it is considered “dependent”.
The independent variable, on the other hand, is truly independent from the dependent variable. Its value does
not change according to the value of the dependent variable. In many researches, the major task for
researchers is to be able to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables,
such that if the independent variable is changed, then the researcher will be able to accurately predict how the
dependent variable will change.

Kinds of Variables

1. Variables according to the number of categories

a. Categorical variables- represent unordered categories, groups, or classes
Examples: multiple intelligence, learning styles, civil status
b. Dichotomous variables- represent only two categories
Examples: sex (male or female), side (left and right), diabetes (type 1 and 2 diabetes)
c. Polychotomous variables- have more than two categories
Examples: educational attainment, economic status
d. Continuous variables- take on any of a range of value
Examples: weight, height, speed, blood glucose level

2. Variables used in an experiment

a. Independent variables- the reasons behind the changes in the dependent variables, also called the
“reason variable”
b. Dependent variables- the variables that are affected by the cause

3. Variables according to nature

a. Concrete variables- variables that can be perceived through the senses
Examples: height, skin, color, taste
b. Abstract variables- variables of quality
Examples: knowledge level, perception level, recovery rate

4. Variables according to the number being studied

a. Univariate study- one variable is being studied
b. Bivariate study- two variables are being studied

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c. Polyvariate study- more than 2 variables are being studied

The Importance between Dependent and Independent Variables

The importance of dependent and independent variables is that they guide the researchers to pursue
their studies with maximum curiosity. Dependent and independent variables are important because they drive
the research process. As defined earlier, a variable as opposed to a constant is simply anything that can vary
and that many researchers consistently look at the relationship between these two variables. While the
variation of an independent variable will influence the variation of dependent variable, both variables give the
study a focus. Dependent and independent variables are also important because they determine the causes
and effects in research. Although not all independent and dependent variables are causal related variables, the
notion of cause and effect can help clarify the idea of “independence” in the independent variable and
“dependence” in the dependent variable.

References:

Cristobal, A., Cristobal, M. (2016). Practical Research 1.C &E Publishing, Inc.
Uy, C., Cabauatan R., De Castro, B., Grajo, J., (2016). Practical Research 2. C &E Publishing, Inc

Prepared by:

Arnie Jane G. Olivares, RN, MN

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