Producing Variables

Question 1

A unit of analysis is the smallest unit yielding information in a study. Also variously /
specifically called:

Answer 1

Cases, elements, subjects, respondents (depending on research)
/
respondents, participants, families, schools, cities, countries, etc.

Question 2

A variable is a characteristic that varies between subjects (or units, or respondents)
Common socio-demographic variables in survey analysis are:

Answer 2

sex
age
income
marital status
education level

Question 3

From concepts to measures:
Research topic: educational attainment
Unit of analysis =
Possible variable =

Answer 3

• Individual

- Years of education

Question 4

From concepts to measures:
Research topic: poor households in London
Unit of analysis =
Possible variable =

Answer 4

• Households

- Household income

Question 5

From concepts to measures:
Research topic: institutionalised police racism across the UK
Unit of analysis =
Possible variable =

Answer 5

• Organisations (police forces)

- % black and ethnic minority police at senior levels

Question 6

Data that described whole areas =

Answer 6

aggregates of individuals

Question 7

What is true at the aggregate may/may not be true of the individual, this mistake is called an

Answer 7

ECOLOGICAL FALLACY