PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

FIRST SEMESTER
12
Module 2

UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH
VARIABLES

By:
Daniel A. Lorenzo, MATS
M.B. Asistio Sr. High School Unit-1

Most Essential Learning Competency: Differentiates kinds of

variables and their uses (CS_RS12-Ia-c-3).
 To the Learners
Before starting this module, I want you to divert your commitment and attention in
accomplishing this module while having fun. As general guide in utilizing this module,
carefully read the set of instructions listed below for you to be guided on how to
successfully attain the objectives of this kit.

1. Read and carefully follow all the guidelines, contents, procedures, and instructions
indicated in every page of this module.

2. This module provides provisions where you can write your answers.

3. Write key concepts and notable ideas you will encounter while using this module on
your notebook to enhance your acquisition of key concept from each lesson.

4. Perform and accomplish all the learning tasks and activities in the module.

5. Coordinate with your teacher for clarifications, misconceptions and elaboration of the
lessons and learning tasks.

6. Enjoy while utilizing this module and have fun learning!

Expectations

In this module, you will investigate the different types of variables of quantitative
research.

Specifically, this module will help you to:

1. Identify variables being considered in a quantitative research;

2. Compare and contrast the different types of variables
3. Differentiate the kinds of variables; and
4. Cite the importance of understanding the nature of variables in conducting
quantitative research.

Q1-WEEK3 PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

 Pretest
Directions: Read and analyze each question carefully. Write the letter of the correct
answer on space provided before each number.

A
____1. Which of the following BEST describes continuous variable?

A. It can take infinite number to represent an attribute of a population

B. It can take value which cannot be ranked

C. It have values that have an absolute zero

D. It have values which can be arranged or ranked

C
____2. Which of the following variables causes other variables to change?

A. Control B. Dependent C. Independent D. Intervening

C
____3. Which of the following BEST describes ordinal variable?

A. Tt has infinite attributes or characteristics

B. It has values which are arranged in order

C. It has values which can be ranked

D. It has a distinct value for zero

C
____4. Which of the following BEST describes a confounding variable?

A. Confounding variables is also known as effect variable.

B. Confounding variables is also known as cause variable.

C. Confounding variables are often neglected and not measured in a research.

D. Confounding variables are variables which is being manipulated by a

researcher.

C
____5. Which kind of the following variable stands between independent and dependent
variables?

A. Confounding variable C. Intervening variable

B. Control variable D. Nominal variable

Q1-WEEK3 PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

 Looking Back

Directions: Explain the relevance of quantitative research across different fields and
disciplines by completing the table below.

Quantitative Research and its Relevance Across Fields

EDUCATION

HEALTH CARE AND

MEDICINE

AGRICULTURE

SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY

Brief Introduction

Kinds and Types of Variables

Variables are elements, attributes, characteristics, categories and values which

are being considered, measured, given value and often times manipulated in conducting
a research. In addition, the word variable was derived from the word vary which means
refers to factors which may differ or may change depending on certain individual. Lastly,
variables may take different forms which can be qualitative or quantitative in nature.

Q1-WEEK3 PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

 TYPES OF VARIABLES

1. CONTINUOUS VARIABLES – These are variables which can take an infinite

value and can be divided into smaller increments either decimal or fraction forms which
represents an attribute or characteristic of a certain population. In addition, height, age
temperature are examples of continuous variable.

CLASSIFICATION OF CONTINUOUS VARIABLE

a. INTERVAL VARIABLES – These variables measures the difference in

measurement of two values and provides interpretation based on the difference.

b. RATIO VARIABLES – These variables takes values and

measurements which has an absolute zero value. In addition, pulse rate and
temperature in Kelvin.

2. DISCRETE VARIABLES – These variables are also known as clasificatory or

categorical variables. In addition, these variables are measure in finite and countable
values. Sex, gender preferences, political affiliation and number of children are
examples of discrete variable.

CLASSIFICATION OF DISCRETE VARIABLE

a. NOMINAL VARIABLE – These are categorical variables which can not

be arranged in order. In addition, these variable doesn’t take numerical values or
measurement. Sex, eye color, hair color, religion, political affiliation are example
of nominal variable. Lastly, dichotomous are type of nominal variable having only
two attributes or characteristics which cannot be arranged in order.

b. ORDINAL VARIABLE – These are categorical variables which can be

arranged in order or rank either from highest to lowest or from smallest to largest.
In addition, these variables doesn’t take numerical values or measurement.

Scale Descriptive Value Range

4 Highly Prioritized (HP) 3.51-4.50
3 Prioritized (P) 2.51-3.50
2 Seldom Prioritized (SP) 1.51-2.50
1 Not Prioritized (NP) 1.00-1.50

Scale Descriptive Value Range

4 Fully Implemented 3.50-4.00
3 Implemented 2.50-3.49
2 Partially Implemented 1.50-2.49
1 Not Implemented 1.00-1.49

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 KINDS OF VARIABLES

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

These variables are known to cause change, affects the outcome and influences
the other variables in a research study. In addition, independent variables are often
manipulated in order to test and identify the extent of its effect on the dependent
variable. Lastly, these variables are commonly known as treatment of intervention.

Example: In a study focusing on establishing correlation between life span and

economic status, the independent variable which influence the independent variable is
economic status. Thus, it can be said that economic status affects the life span of the
respondents.

DEPENDENT VARIABLES

These variables are known as the result, effect or outcome variables which relies
and influenced by the independent variable.

Example: In a study focusing on establishing correlation between life span and

economic status, the dependent variable which depends on the independent variable is
lifespan. Thus, it can be said that the life span of the respondents depends on their
economic status.

INTERVENING VARIABLES

These variables are known to be intermediate between the independent and

dependent variables as it use to explain the causal link between the other variables.

Example: In a study focusing on establishing correlation between longer life span

and economic status, the intervening variable which mediates and explains the
correlation between the identified variables are lack of access to health care services
and poor nutrition serves.

CONTROL VARIABLES

These variables are known to be constant and unchanged throughout the

conduct of an investigation or research and may greatly influence the result and
outcome of a research.

CONFOUNDING VARIABLES

These variables are known as existing elements or factors whose effect and
influence are either neglected, ignored and often time not measured as their impact are
not directly observed in the conduct of a study.

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 Activity 1
Directions: Answer the following by writing on the space provided before each number
the word/s being asked. Choose the correct answer from the box given below.

Variables
________________1. It refers to the elements and factors being manipulated and
considered in conducting quantitative research.

Nominal
________________2. It refers to a categorical variable which cannot be arranged in
order.

Control
________________3. It refers to a kind of variable which is measured as it has the
potential to influence the dependent variable.

Ratio
________________4. It refers to a type of variable having an absolute zero value.

Confounding
________________5. It refers to a kind of variable which exists but has no direct
influence or has negligible effect to the study being conducted.

Intervening
________________6. It refers to a kind of variable which is intermediate between
independent and dependent variable.

Ordinal
________________7. It refers to variables which can be organized as to highest to
lowest or smallest to largest.

Independent
________________8. It refers to variables which causes change, provides effect, and
influences the outcome of other variables.

Dependent
________________9. It refers to variables known as the outcome variable which is the
result and effect of an intervention/treatment.

Interval
________________10. It refers to variables whose value lies along an evenly dispersed
range of measurement.

CONTROL CONFOUNDING CONTINUOUS DEPENDENT

INDEPENDENT INTERVENING INTERVAL NOMINAL

ORDINAL RATIO VARIABLE

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 Activity 2
Directions: Classify the given indicated below as to variable types and kinds.

Height

Music Genre

Temperature in Celsius

Temperature in Kelvin

Gender preference

Monthly income

Test score in Research test

Age

Gender

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th

Birthday

Political Affiliation

Grade Level

Activity 3

Directions: Identify the independent and dependent variables of the following

research titles. Encircle the independent variable and underline the dependent variable.

1. Effect of Computer Gaming to the Academic performance of Grade 12 Senior High

School Students of M.B. Asistio Sr. High School Unit-1

2. Inhibitory Effect of Quercetin on Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation in Hamster

3. Effectiveness of Remedial Classes Program in Enhancing the Mastery Level of SHS

Students in Earth and Life Science

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 Remember

 Variables are elements or factors which are being considered, measured and
manipulated in conducting researches which can take different forms either
quantitatively or qualitatively.

 Continuous variables are variables which can take infinite value and can be
divided into smaller increments. In addition, it can be further categorized in to
interval variable and ration variable.

 Discrete variables also known as clasificatory or categorical variables takes

finite and countable values. In addition, it can be further categorized as to
nominal and ordinal variables.

 Variables can be classified according to its kind such as dependent,

independent, intervening, confounding, and control variable.

Check Your Understanding

Directions: Identify the independent, dependent and constant variables of the given
research titles. In addition, classify the identified variables independent, dependent and
constant variables as to Discrete or Continuous variable. In addition, provide justification
to your answer and write it on the space provided below your answer.

Effect of Reading Wattpad to the Comprehension Skills of Grade 11 Senior High

School Students of M.B. Asistio Sr. High School Unit-1

Constant Independent Discrete/Continuous Dependent Discrete/Continuous

Effectiveness of Educational Games in Enhancing the Mastery Level of Grade 10

Students of M.B. Asistio Sr. High School Unit-1 in Science

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Constant Independent Discrete/Continuous Dependent Discrete/Continuous

Post-Test
Directions: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of the correct answer on the
blank provided before the number.

____1. Which of the following refers to the characteristic of quantitative research which
is vital in establishing reliable generalization and conclusion?

A. Large Sample Size B. Numerical Data C. Replication D. Objective

____2. Which design compares and contrasts two populations as to how they perceive,
assess, or view certain variable?

A. Comparative B. Correlational C. Experimental D. Survey

____3. Which research design allows researcher to investigate the significant

relationship between two or more variables?

A. Correlational B. Experimental C. Methodological D. Survey

____4. Which of the following is being done in order to check reliability of the findings?

A. Large Sample Size B. Replication C. Numerical Data D. Objective

____4. Which of the following is NOT a weakness of quantitative research?

A. Data analysis B. Expensive C. Numerical Data D. Superficial

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 Reflection
Directions: Based on your understanding about the lesson presented in this module,
express your critical and creative understanding of the lesson by accomplishing this
Reflective Learning Sheet and answering the questions inside the boxes.

What are the positive attitudes and values I

developed from this module?

How will I apply the concepts I have learned in my day to

day living?

What conclusions I have drawn based on the lessons

presented?

What other concepts I want to explore more after

accomplishing this module?

What learnings have I found from this module?

10

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