How to identify independent and dependent research variables

Variables are key components of every research study. Understanding their roles is important when you use a research methodology.

What are Independent Variables (IV)?

These are variables that are changed/manipulated so that their impact on the dependent variables can be monitored.

What are Dependent Variables (DV)?

These are variables that rely on something else(the independent variables) to occur/change before they can have a result. Dependent Variables are usually the variables the researcher is interested in.

Differences between Independent Variables and Dependent Variables

1. Independent Variables are the manipulators or causes or influencers WHILE Dependent Variables are the results or effects or outcome.

2. Independent variables are “independent of” prior causes that act on it WHILE Dependent Variables “depend on” the cause.

 

Relationship between Hypothesis and Variables

A hypothesis is a prediction of what the study will find or the answer to a research question.

A hypothesis is an empirical statement that can be verified based upon observation or experiment or experience

A hypothesis is testable to be true or false through the research study findings.

Variables are found in the hypothesis or research question. In a hypothesis, you can see how variables operate in a research study.

How to identify independent and dependent research variables

To identify Independent research variables, look for items in your research question or hypothesis that manipulates, causes or influences something or a reaction.

To identify Dependent research variables, look for items in your research question or hypothesis that sees the result, effect or outcome of changing the independent variable.

Some Examples

Example 1 – Research Topic: Decision making and its impact on an organization

“Decision making” influences the organization, therefore, this is the Independent Variable
“impact in an organization” the organization is being impacted on, therefore, this is the dependent variable

Example 2 – Hypothesis/Research Question: What effects do multiple taxations have on small scale businesses

“multiple taxations” causes an action, therefore, this is the Independent Variable
“small scale businesses” receives the effects of multiple taxations, therefore, this is the Dependent Variable

Example 3 – Hypothesis/Research Question: What influence do democratic leadership style and motivation have on employee performance of these businesses

“democratic leadership style” and “motivation” both cause an effect, therefore, these are the Independent Variables
“employee performance” is being impacted, therefore, this is the Dependent Variable

The basic rule is to look for what causes reactions and what receives the effects. With lots of practice, you would begin to spot with ease the Independent and Dependent variables in a research question/Hypothesis.