Variables & Measurements

Question 1

Variables

Answer 1

Ideas from which we ascertain meaning through the assignment of numbers or values
- varies/ changes
- measured and defined (operationalized) in different ways
- Events, behaviors, situations, or characteristics
- two or more levels (allow formation of groups)

Question 2

Qualitative Variables

Answer 2

Nominal & Ordinal

Question 3

Quantitative Variables

Answer 3

Interval & Ratio

Question 4

Independent Variable

Answer 4

the variable that a researcher manipulates, assigns, or selects
- something that “causes” or “affects” something else
- variable A influences/causes/affects Variable B

Question 5

Quasi (Non-manipulated) IVs

Answer 5

participant variables
- relationship status, religion,

Question 6

Dependent Variable

Answer 6

outcome variable of interest (what is measured)
- variable affected by IV

Question 7

Measures

Answer 7

Instruments that enable researchers to assign meaningful numbers or scores to people based on operational definitions

Question 8

Self-report

Answer 8

participants report on their own thoughts, feelings, actions (surveys, interviews, Likert scales)

Question 9

Behavioral

Answer 9

researchers observe/record participants’ behavior (frequencies, scores on memory tests)

Question 10

Physiological

Answer 10

Researchers observe/record participants’ physiological processes (electrical activity and blood flow in the brain, heart rate)