Independent and Dependent Variables

Inherent in your research question are your variables. It is important to be able to correctly identify your variables, because they are one of the pieces of information needed to determing the type of analysis you should perform.

• Independent Variables are manipulated to see if they produce a result
• Dependent Variables are the results caused by the independent variables

For example: Does GDP affect literacy rates?

• GDP = Independent variable
• Literacy rates = Dependent variable

Sometimes there can be multiple independent variables.

For example: What is the effect of smaller class size and teacher salaries on student achievement?

• Class size = Independent variable
• Teacher salaries = Independent variable
• Student achievement = Dependent variable

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