Variables
TLDRIn this educational video, Dr. Wallace simplifies the concept of variables in research studies for better comprehension. He distinguishes between dependent (DV) and independent variables (IV), explaining that dependent variables are outcomes influenced by others, while independent variables are those manipulated in a study. Dr. Wallace uses everyday examples to illustrate these concepts, such as thermostat settings affecting room temperature and the impact of warning tickets on speeding behavior. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between variables and hypothesis statements, and encourages viewers to apply this knowledge to real-life scenarios for better grasp of the subject.
Takeaways
- 📚 Variables are essential in research studies and understanding their roles is crucial for grasping research methodology.
- 🔍 There are two main types of variables: dependent and independent, often abbreviated as DV and IV.
- 🔄 A dependent variable is one that relies on something else (an independent variable) to occur or to have an effect.
- 🛠️ An independent variable is something that is manipulated or changed in a study to observe its impact on the dependent variable.
- 🔑 Understanding the relationship between variables is often simplified by viewing the independent variable as the cause and the dependent variable as the effect.
- 📉 Hypotheses predict outcomes and are testable statements that include the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
- 🌡️ Example 1: Changing a thermostat setting (independent variable) affects room temperature (dependent variable).
- 🚦 Example 2: The type of traffic ticket received (independent variable) influences the likelihood of speeding again (dependent variable).
- 👨👧👦 Example 3: Positive family relationships and after-school program involvement (independent variables) may reduce adult deviant behavior (dependent variable).
- 🤔 Identifying variables involves looking for what is being manipulated or changed and what is being affected or resulting from those changes.
- 🎯 Practicing the identification of variables in everyday scenarios can help solidify understanding of how they function in research.
Q & A
What is the main purpose of the video script provided?
-The main purpose of the video script is to explain the concept of variables in research studies, focusing on the distinction between dependent and independent variables, and to provide examples to help understand these concepts better.
What are the two types of variables mentioned in the script?
-The two types of variables mentioned are dependent variables (DV) and independent variables (IV).
What is a dependent variable?
-A dependent variable is something that relies on something else to occur or to have a result; it is the effect or outcome in a research study.
What is an independent variable?
-An independent variable is something that is manipulated or changed in a research study, typically to observe its impact on the dependent variable; it is the cause or influencer.
How does the script suggest understanding the relationship between independent and dependent variables?
-The script suggests viewing the independent variable as the cause or influencer and the dependent variable as the effect or outcome. It also mentions that the independent variable can be seen as the manipulator and the dependent variable as the result.
What is a hypothesis in the context of a research study?
-A hypothesis is a prediction of what the study will find or the answer to the research question. It is an empirical statement that can be verified through observation or experience and is testable to be true or false.
Why is it important to include variables in a hypothesis?
-Variables are important in a hypothesis because they show the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, which is essential for making predictions and testing them in a research study.
Can you provide an example from the script that illustrates the concept of dependent and independent variables?
-One example from the script is the hypothesis that changing the thermostat setting up or down will cause the room temperature to change. Here, the thermostat setting is the independent variable, and the room temperature is the dependent variable.
How does the script handle the complexity of having multiple independent variables in a hypothesis?
-The script provides an example where teenagers with positive family relationships and active involvement in after-school programs are less likely to participate in deviant behavior as adults. In this case, both family relationships and after-school program involvement are independent variables affecting the dependent variable, which is adult deviant behavior.
What strategy does Dr. Wallace recommend for better understanding variables?
-Dr. Wallace recommends practicing by breaking down everyday scenarios and observing how variables operate in those situations to reinforce understanding and get the hang of how variables work in a research study.
What is the conclusion of the script regarding understanding variables?
-The conclusion is that there are two types of variables, independent and dependent, with independent variables manipulating or causing a reaction, and dependent variables being the result or effect. The best way to understand variables is through continuous practice in everyday life.
Outlines
📚 Understanding Variables in Research
Dr. Wallace introduces variables as a fundamental element of research studies, explaining the distinction between dependent (DV) and independent variables (IV). He clarifies that the dependent variable is contingent on another variable, while the independent variable is manipulated in a study to observe its effect on the dependent variable. To aid comprehension, Dr. Wallace suggests viewing the relationship as cause-effect or influencer-outcome. He emphasizes the importance of variables in formulating hypotheses, which are predictions that can be empirically verified. The paragraph concludes with a simple example involving a thermostat setting and room temperature to illustrate the concept of variables in a research context.
🔍 Applying Variables to Hypotheses with Examples
This paragraph delves deeper into the application of variables within hypotheses, using everyday scenarios to solidify understanding. Dr. Wallace provides two examples: the first examines the effect of traffic tickets on future speeding behavior, identifying the type of ticket as the independent variable and the likelihood of speeding again as the dependent variable. The second example explores the impact of positive family relationships and after-school program involvement on adult deviant behavior, presenting multiple independent variables and a single dependent variable. These examples demonstrate how hypotheses predict relationships between variables and how understanding these relationships is crucial for research methodology. The paragraph encourages practicing the identification of variables in daily life to enhance comprehension.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Variables
💡Dependent Variable (DV)
💡Independent Variable (IV)
💡Manipulation
💡Cause and Effect
💡Influencer and Outcome
💡Hypothesis
💡Empirical Statement
💡Testable
💡Research Methodology
💡Practice
Highlights
Variables are a key component of every research study and understanding their role is crucial.
Dr. Wallace admits that variables were the most challenging component of research for him to comprehend as a doctoral student.
There are two types of variables: dependent and independent, also known as DV and IV.
A dependent variable relies on something else to occur to have a result.
An independent variable is something that is manipulated or changed in a research study.
The independent variable can be viewed as the cause, and the dependent variable as the effect.
Hypothesis statements are predictions of what the study will find and are testable.
Variables must be included in the hypothesis to show the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Example 1: Hypothesis that changing the thermostat setting will cause the room temperature to change.
Example 2: Hypothesis that individuals receiving a warning ticket are more likely to speed again.
Example 3: Hypothesis that teenagers with positive family relationships and afterschool program involvement are less likely to engage in deviant behavior as adults.
In the third example, there are multiple independent variables impacting the dependent variable.
The secret to understanding variables is to practice identifying them in everyday scenarios.
Dr. Wallace suggests breaking down things observed in everyday life to understand how variables work in research.
The best way to understand variables is through continuous practice in daily life.
The lesson aims to provide a better understanding of variables and how to differentiate between independent and dependent variables.
Transcripts
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