PRACTICAL 12

RESEARCH 2

KINDS OF VARIABLES AND THEIR USES

(Week 3)

A module developed by DepEd-Davao City

Writers: Rex A. Lim, Davao City National High School

Sherwin S. Fortugaliza, Davao City National High School
Michael P. Tumilap, Sta. Ana National High School
Apple May A. Tañega, Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School 1
Information about this ADM learner’s material

I. Objectives: The learner demonstrates understanding of

Ia. Content Standard the nature of variables.

The learner is able to decide on suitable

Ib. Performance Standard quantitative research in different areas of
interest.

The learner differentiates kinds of variables

Ic. Learning Competency
and their uses. (CS_RS12-Ia-c-3)

II. Content / Topic Kinds of Variables and their Uses

Hello, everyone!
Today you will learn something about
VARIABLES. I know that you already have an idea
about what a variable is because it was introduced in
junior high school in scientific methods. Now, we will
deepen and clarify it more in this lesson.
Thus, I am requesting you to recall your
knowledge about a variable and get ready to
integrate your understanding in learning the concept
of variable in this subject.

Our lesson for today aims to:

1. Define variable; and
2. Differentiate independent and dependent
variables.

2
 Introduction

Everyday, we face a lot of challenges that come in many different forms and
shapes. As a student, you will have your challenges in learning a lesson—a challenge
in coping with the assignments and deadlines. As a human being, you are also facing
challenges from being too personal to general. A financial status of a family, choice of
profession later after graduation even poses a challenge. Why am I talking about these
challenges? Because these are variables. These are the things that go along the way
that sometimes caught us off guard. These are factors that may affect us and our
decision. Some of them are controllable and some are not.
And, research uses these variables to solve practical problems such as whether
there is a relationship between the use of social media and reading comprehension. In
other words, learning this lesson is very practical because the application is real life.
We will be informed how to make decisions out of the real variables available in our
daily lives.

Got it? Let us continue and start the first activity.

(Activity 1) Find Me!

Instruction: Copy the word box in your answer sheet. Find all the six (6) words in
the word box that are related to variable. Circle them all.

C H A N G E S R B B
A X Y W K Q L P P N
U Y X C O N T R O L
S X Z Z O C N D B L
E F F E C T Q X D Y
X Y Z C D R R R R R
M A N I P U L A T E
D I F F E R E N C E

3
 Hello!!!

Did you enjoy the activity? Yehey!!!! I believe you are

now ready. Those words that you have just guessed
will help you understand what variable is.

(Activity 2)

1. List down the five (6) words that you have searched.
________,________,________,________,________,________
2. Using the words that you have identified, describe what a variable is.
____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

Yes, I believe you already have learned something

about the concept of variables! At this point, let us go
into the details about variable and its kinds.

Lesson: Kinds of Variables and Their Uses

Variable is anything that changes (Shukla, 2018). Simply it is a characteristic

that vary from one person to person, text to text, or object to object. A height differs from
person to person and changes as the person grows. Temperature varies as well
depending on the weather condition and country of origin. Objects around us vary in so
many aspects—color, size, and shape. These are all examples of variables--the
characteristics that a person, object or situation possesses that may vary as they

4
change. In other words, as a person changes, the characteristics he/she possesses
also change. Likewise, as an object or a situation changes, the characteristics it
possesses also change.
A variable can be independent or dependent according to how they behave in
the study or according to what the relevant literature says (Wright, 2013). This means
that the identification of whether the variable is independent or dependent should be
consistent to what the literature says. However, practical knowledge of the variables
may work, but consulting relevant literature is best.

A. Independent Variable refers to the one that may cause the results. The variable
that the researcher analyzes is likely the change agent for one or more other variables.
There are two classifications of Independent Variable:

1. Active Independent Variable. It is an independent variable that the researcher

manipulates the condition or value of the independent variable. It is the one that
is designed, imposed, controlled by the investigators.

Scenario 1: Let us say that you are investigating whether there is a link between
taking Vitamin C and preventing illness. Vitamin C is the independent variable,
and as a researcher you will accomplish an experiment with an experimental
group (those that will be given with Vitamin C) and also set a control group (who
are given a placebo). In this case, you are manipulating the Vitamin C, so it is an
active independent variable.

Scenario 2: You are studying whether teaching style (technology integration) will
influence students’ performance in the class. Teaching style (technology
integration) is the independent variable, and you run an experiment with an
experimental group (with technology integration) and a control group (without
technology integration). You are manipulating the teaching style, so it is an active
independent variable.

2. Assigned Independent Variable. It is an independent variable where the

researcher has no control over how the variable appears for each subject.
Example: students’ gender, strand and or grade level. Meaning, the researcher
has no control over which of the participants in the study are male/female,

5
 STEM/ABM/HUMMS or 11/12. Other examples of assigned independent
variable include religion, civil status, education level many others.
Scenario 1: A study wanted to investigate the COVID-19 Awareness of Grades
11 and 12 Students in MKN National High School.

Here, grade level would be the independent variable, with 2 levels: grade
11 and grade 12. The independent variable is assigned, since being grade 11
and grade 12 students is an intrinsic characteristic of the respondents.

Scenario 2: Knowledge on COVID-19 was also investigated among male and

female students of Mondano National High School.

The study compared male and female’s knowledge on COVID-19, then

gender would be an attribute independent variable in that study. The study
compared the groups, but the investigators did not - and could not - choose
which subjects were male, and which were female.

B. Dependent Variable refers to those variables that change as an effect of the

changes brought by the other variable. This is the variable that is affected by the
independent variable.

Example 1: Hours of studying and academic performance of Grade 12-

Students in MKN National High School.

In this example, academic performance is the dependent variable in the

study considering that this might be affected or influenced by hours of studying.

Answer: Hours of studying (running an experiment to a group of students with 3,

6 and 9 hours of sleep) and academic performance of Grade 12-Students in MKN
National High School.

1. What is the independent variable?

Answer: Hours of Studying

2. What type of independent Variable?

Answer: Active Independent Variable

3. What is the dependent variable?

Answer: Academic Performance

6
 Example 2: A study wanted to investigate the COVID-19 Awareness of Grades
11 and 12 Students in MKN National High School.

Answer: Grades 11 and 12 Students COVID-19 Awareness in MKN National

High School

1. What is the independent variable?

Answer: Grade Level (11 and 12)

2. What type of independent Variable?

Answer: Assigned Independent Variable

3. What is the dependent variable?

Answer: COVID-19 Awareness

This time, you already have knowledge on what are the

kinds of variables. To test our skills, let’s try doing the
activity below.

(Activity 3)
Instruction: Below are some examples of research interests. Identify the possible
independent and dependent variables of the study.

A. Sherwin is interested to know whether emotional quotient (EQ) affect students’

academic performance.

1. What is the independent variable?

Answer: ________________

2. What type of independent Variable?

Answer: ________________

3. What is the dependent variable?

Answer: ________________

7
 B. Maria would like to study whether there is a difference in the knowledge of two
academic strands (STEM and HUMMS) on environmental awareness.

1. What is the independent variable?

Answer: ________________

2. What type of independent Variable?

Answer: ________________

3. What is the dependent variable?

Answer: ________________

At this point, let us enumerate the key concepts of this

lesson. Bring these with you as you will learn more on
your next lessons.

1. Variables are the characteristics that a person, object or situation possesses that
may vary as they change.

2. Independent variables are those that cause an effect to the other variable.

3. Types of independent variable include active independent variable and assigned

independent variable.

4. Dependent variables on the other hand are those that change because of the
changes brought by the other (independent) variable. These are the presumed
effect.

8
(Activity 4)
Instruction: Read each item. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following best defines a variable?

a. Factors that cannot be altered in a research study
b. A characteristic that is the same from one person to person
c. Features or qualities that remain the same across individual
d. A characteristic that vary from one person to person, text to text, or object to
object.

2. Which of the following correctly differentiates independent from dependent

variable?
a. Independent variable is the cause while dependent variable is the effect
b. Independent variable is the effect while dependent variable is the cause
c. Independent variable is the effect while dependent variable is the measure
d. Independent variable is the measure while dependent variable is the factor

3. Which of the following is a correct definition of assigned independent variable?

a. A variable that changes as an effect of the changes of the other variable
b. A variable where the researcher can manipulate over how the variable
appears for each subject
c. A variable where the researcher has no control over how the variable appears
for each subject
d. A variable that is influenced by the independent variable

4. Dependent variable is best defined as________.

a. A variable that changes as an effect of the changes brought by the other
variable
b. A variable where the researcher can manipulate over how the variable
appears for each subject
c. A variable where the researcher can alter over how the variable appears for
each subject
d. The variable that the researcher analyzes is likely the change agent for one or

9
 more other variables
5. Independent variable is best defined as________.
a. A variable that is influenced by the dependent variable
b. A variable that remains the same from person to person
c. A variable that changes as an effect of the changes brought by the other
variable
d. The variable that the researcher analyzes is likely the change agent for one or
more other variables.

References

Shukla, S. (2018). Variables, hypotheses and stages of research 1. Researchgate.

Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325127119_VARIABLES_HYPOTHESE
S_AND_STAGES_OF_RESEARCH_1

SAGE Publications (2014). Nature of variables and data. Retrieved from

https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-
assets/64974_book_item_64974.pdf

Wright, R. J. (2013). Research methods for counseling: An introduction. SAGE

Publications.

10
 PRACTICAL 12
RESEARCH 2

NATURE OF VARIABLES
(Week 3)

Scale

Ordinal

Nominal

A module developed by DepEd-Davao City

Writers: Rex A. Lim, Davao City National High School

Sherwin S. Fortugaliza, Davao City National High School
Michael P. Tumilap, Sta. Ana National High School
Apple May A. Tañega, Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School 11
Information about this ADM learner’s material

I. Objectives: The learner demonstrates understanding of

Ia. Content Standard the nature of variables.

The learner is able to decide on suitable

Ib. Performance Standard quantitative research in different areas of
interest.

The learner differentiates kinds of variables

Ic. Learning Competency
and their uses. (CS_RS12-Ia-c-3)

II. Content / Topic Nature of Variables

Hello, everyone! Today you will learn more about a

variable. I know that you already have an idea about what a
variable is because it is introduced in the previous module,
we will deepen and clarify it more in this lesson.

Thus, now, I am requesting you to recall your

knowledge about a variable and get ready to learn more of
the concept in this module. Good luck!

Our lesson for today aims to deliver the following

objective:
a. To differentiate the nature of variables.

Are you ready? Let us proceed!

12
 Introduction

Kinds of Variables and Their Uses

When you look around you, you will see objects of varying kinds, shapes, colors,
and sizes. When you look at yourself in the mirror, you will see a person possessing
characteristics different from what you will see from your colleagues. No two individuals
possessing same characteristics. No two things from different brands and
manufacturers share common features as well. We all love uniqueness. We love
diversity. These uniqueness and diversity range from the most visible features in our
naked eye to the most abstract features.
However, these characteristics are the usual objects of questions by researchers
because they affect us in one way or another. An intelligent quotient of 140 is
considered above normal; hence labeled as genius. On the other hand, an intelligent
quotient of 50 is considered way below normal and labeled as moron. Studying how
these characteristics affect us and others should ignite interest among us leading
towards discovery of ideas, propositions, and theories, making our lives more resilient to
changes of these characteristics.

Got it? Let us continue and start the first activity.

(Activity 1.1)
Instruction: Look at the things around you now and describe their characteristics.
I would like you to write them here below.

Characteristic
Object
(eg. Color, Length, Size, Shape)
Ex. Table Brown
1.
2.
3.

13
(Activity 1.2)
Instruction: This time try to reflect on yourself. What makes you different from
other human beings? The difference maybe concrete (hair color) or
abstract (attitude). List them down here below.

My Personality—My own Beauty

Ex. Hair color and attitude
1.
2.
3.

Finish? Congratulations!

Now, let us proceed to the next activity. Get ready to

answer and remember how you completed the items
above.

(Activity 2)

1. What are the objects you listed down in Activity 1.1? Can they be measured or
counted? In what way?
________________, ________________, ________________
______________________________________________________

2. What are the things you listed down in Activity 1.2? Can they be measured or
counted? In what way?
_____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

3. Do the characteristics of the items you listed down in Activity 1.1 and 1.2
change? Why do you say so?
_____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

14
 What you just did is a way of knowing the variables
present around you. And yes, I believe you already
have learned something about the concept of
variables! At this point, let us go into the details about
the nature and type of variables. Read carefully and
understand.

Lesson: Nature of Variables

General Classification of the Nature of Variables

(Mayya, Monteiro, & Ganapathy, 2017)

Variables Descriptions Examples

Qualitative These variables are simply labels or hair colors such as black,
categories of a bigger variable. It is white, and red
also termed as nominal or categorical
variables. Qualitative variables
having only two distinct categories Sex (male, female)
such as sex (male, female) is termed
as binary or dichotomous variable.
Quantitative Quantitative variables are those Weight in kilos (50 kg.),
characteristics that can be measured number of students in the
or counted. Quantitative variables class (50 students)
can be continuous or discrete.

Continuous quantitative variables are those which we can take a middle value
given the two values no matter how close they are with each other. In the weighing
scale that can afford to hold 100 kilos, a weight of a person may be at 45.5 kilos, 60.8

15
kilos or may be 70 kilos. Continuous quantitative variables can take a decimal or a
fraction of quantity without reducing its meaning in reality.
On the other hand, discrete quantitative variables are those characteristics that
cannot take a middle value of the given values but can take a value in a given range of
values. In a questionnaire where you need to declare the total male and female
population in the class, you can say 10 females and 10 males but cannot say 10.5
females and 9.5 males. The logic is simple. There is no half male or half female in the
class. Discrete quantitative variable is always a whole number. Reducing the quantity
into its decimal or fraction form does not have meaning in reality.
Below is a summary chart of the specific nature of variables, its descriptions
and examples:
Nature of
Description Examples
Variables
These variables are labels or  Hair colors (black, white, gold)
Nominal
categories of a bigger variable.  Sex (male, female)
These variables have natural  Class ranking of honors (1st,
order among the categories, such 2nd)
as, ranking or letter grades. They  Letter Grade (A, B, C)
If a student scores an A and
are categorical variables and do
Ordinal another student scores a B in
not provide exact measurements.
a given quiz, then we cannot
say precisely the difference in
their scores. Only that an A is
larger than a B.
This is a level of measurement  Degree Fahrenheit
that can be measured along a The difference between 80
continuum and the intervals degrees Fahrenheit and 100
between values are equally degrees Fahrenheit is the
spaced. same as 110 degrees
Interval
Fahrenheit and 130 degrees
Fahrenheit.
 Degree Celsius
The difference between 30
degrees Celsius and 35

16
 degrees Celsius is the same
as 60 degrees Celsius and 65
degrees Celsius
This is a level of measurement  Age (16, 17, 18, 19)
with condition that 0 (zero) of the  Scores (90, 83, 85, 75)
Ratio
measurement indicates that there  Height (5”, 5”3’)
is none in that variable.  Weight (45 kgs., 80 kgs.)
Interval and ratio variables are scale variables that take the highest mathematical
accuracy because aside from we can reduce the quantity to its average value, we can
transform these quantitative variables to qualitative variables.
Example:
Scale Variable: Age (Ratio) Categorical Variable
12
15 Adolescence
19
20
28 Young Adulthood
40
41
55 Middle Aged Adulthood
64

Age grouping was based on Developmental Stages of the Learner (Bastable & Dart, 2007)

What is the use of knowing these variables? Knowing the nature of variables
helps the researcher decide on what statistical tool he/she will use to process the
available data.

Wooah! It seems a long read. Isn’t it? However, it was

what you need to know and understand about the
nature and types of variables. Now, let us test your
understanding. Perform the activity below.

17
(Activity 3)
Instruction: Distinguish whether the variables are nominal, ordinal, interval or
ratio.
Variable Nature Variable Nature

1. Temperature (90oCelsius) 4. Sex

A
B
C

2. Letter Grade 5. 1,500 House Rent

O
AB
A
B
3. Blood Type 6. Shirt Sizes

You have gone so much already and I wish you enjoy!

At this juncture, let us enumerate the key concepts of
this lesson. Bring these with you as you will learn more
on your next lessons.

18
 1. Variables are characteristics of an entity- a person, things, events that change as
these entities change. They are measurable or quantifiable.
2. Variables can be generally classified as quantitative or qualitative.
3. Quantitative variables can be “continuous” or “discrete”.
4. Qualitative variables are also known as categorical variables.
5. Ordinal variables are categorical variables that are ranked or ordered but do not
have exact measurement.

(Activity 4) Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose from the options the best idea that classifies the nature of
the variable in an item. Write the letter of the answer.

1. 165 centimeters height and 45 kilograms weight

a. 165 centimeters and 45 kilograms are both nominal variables
b. 165 centimeters and 45 kilograms are both ordinal variables
c. 165 centimeters and 45 kilograms are both interval variables
d. 165 centimeters and 45 kilograms are both ratio variables

2. Religion and Grade Level (7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12)

a. Religion is ordinal and Grade Level is nominal
b. Religion is nominal and Grade Level is ordinal
c. Religion is interval and Grade Level is nominal
d. Religion is interval and Grade Level is ratio

3. Track (Academic, Arts and Design, TVL) and Learning Styles (Kinesthetic,
Auditory, Visual)
a. Track and Learning Styles are both nominal variables
b. Track and Learning Styles are both ordinal variables
c. Track and Learning Styles are both interval variables
d. Track and Learning Styles are both ratio variables

19
 4. Quiz Bee Winners (First, Second, Third) and Family Income (Low, Middle, High)
a. Quiz Bee Winners and Family Income are both nominal variables
b. Quiz Bee Winners and Family Income are both ordinal variables
c. Quiz Bee Winners and Family Income are both interval variables
d. Quiz Bee Winners and Family Income are both ratio variables

5. Temperature (99, 100, 101, 102, 103 Degrees Celsius) and Score in Practical
Research 2 (83, 97, 87, 99, 84)
a. Temperature is interval and Score is nominal
b. Temperature is nominal and Score is interval
c. Temperature is ratio and Score is ordinal
d. Temperature is interval and Score is ratio

You have done great so far! Congratulations! I wish you

will not forget whatever you have learned in this lesson
and you may be motivated to carry on. Good luck!

References

Bastable, S., & Dart, M. (2007). Developmental stages of the learner. Jones and Bartlett
Publishers

Shukla, S. (2018). Variables, hypotheses and stages of research 1. Researchgate.

Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325127119_VARIABLES_HYPOTHESE
S_AND_STAGES_OF_RESEARCH_1

SAGE Publications (2014). Nature of variables and data. Retrieved from

https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-
assets/64974_book_item_64974.pdf

Wright, R. J. (2013). Research methods for counseling: An introduction. SAGE

Publications.

20