VARIABLES, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND DATA CODING 2
Active Independent Variable
As defined by Morgan et al. (2020), an active independent variable in a research study is
a stimulus or intervention provided to a cohort of participants for a specified duration. Illustrative
instances of such elements comprise novel curricula, seminars, or analogous gatherings.
Attribute Independent Variable
In this study, independent variables refer to attributes not under the researcher's control or
alteration. Notwithstanding this, the variable continues to be the focal point of investigation in
the research. In social science research, individual characteristics such as age, political
affiliation, and religious affiliation are frequently disregarded (Morgan et al., 2020)
Similarities
The acquisition of active and attribute-independent variables is achieved through research
methodologies. Each of these requires feedback from a specific demographic within a pre-
established timeframe. The variables used in the study by Morgan et al. (2020) are descriptive in
nature, and the data points presented give a precise representation of an individual.
Differences
One crucial distinguishing factor is the characteristics of the data that is gathered. Active
independent variables are used to collect data vulnerable to alteration or manipulation. This
category of variables pertains to an analysis of educational methodologies, with a specific focus
on a novel approach to medical intervention. It is not possible to modify attribute-independent
variables, including gender, age, and race. Although "active" can be used to refer to experimental
or quasi-experimental procedures, the term "attribute" does not include these types of approaches
(Morgan et al., 2020). This differentiation between the two concepts exists.
VARIABLES, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND DATA CODING 3
D1.2 (a) What Kind of Independent Variable (Active/Attribute) is Necessary to Infer
Cause?
In most cases, research studies do not differentiate between active and attribute variables;
rather, they define the independent variable exclusively. However, the distinctions mentioned
above significantly increase the intricacy involved in analyzing the data. To establish the causal
relationship between a dependent variable and an independent variable that has been observed to
change or differ, the only methods that are considered permissible are quasi-experimental
procedures and randomized trials.
D1.2 (b) Can One Always Infer Cause From this Type of Independent Variable? If so,
Why? If Not, When Can One Infer Cause and When Might Causal Inferences Be More
Questionable?
Merely examining the independent components might not provide sufficient insight to
determine the factors that impacted the dependent variables. The establishment of a cause-and-
effect relationship is not without its limitations; occasionally, research places an excessive
amount of emphasis on the interrelationships and fluctuations of variables (Morgan et al., 2020).
D1.3 What is the Difference Between the Independent Variable and the Dependent
Variable?
While the dependent variable is predetermined, the independent variable is entirely at the
researcher's discretion and can be intentionally altered. A correlation can be observed between
the data obtained from the independent variable and the outcome of the dependent variable. It is
standard in medical research to administer a placebo with the active medications under
investigation. This phenomenon is demonstrated through this event. As per the findings of the
VARIABLES, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND DATA CODING 4
research, participants assigned to the experimental interventions will exhibit indications of
improvement, whereas those assigned to the placebo group will remain unchanged.
D1.4 Compare/Contrast Associational, Difference, and Descriptive Research Questions.
Associational Research Questions
As stated by Morgan et al. (2020), to examine the relationship or correlation, association
research employs five or more levels of each variable.
At the core of comparative research topics is the examination and comparison of two or
more distinct groups, in which each group comprises individuals possessing a particular value or
degree of the independent variable. The objective of this study, as stated by Morgan et al. (2020)
is to establish a distinction between the groups in terms of the dependent variable.
Research inquiries elicit comprehensive information and a depiction of a particular
subject or event. "Descriptive research questions are inquiries that cannot be resolved using
inferential statistics. "According to Morgan et al. (2020), the conclusions drawn from the study
lack validity when applied to a broader population. It is imperative to evaluate any conclusions
derived from this research within the sample's framework used for analysis.
Compare / Contrast
Scientific inquiry into associational research issues primarily aims to ascertain the
correlations among various elements and evaluate the predictive capability of one variable
relative to another. The extent of deviation of the results from the dependent variable under
consideration can be ascertained by comparing the scores across various categories. Descriptive
research inquiries lacked readily accessible inferential statistics, as opposed to associational and
difference-based inquiries which elicited a diverse range of responses. Participants are provided
with a succinct synthesis or analysis of the pertinent data concerning the sample under
VARIABLES, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND DATA CODING 5
consideration. To ascertain whether the groups under investigation are distinct, statistical
analysts employ differential inferential methods and a variety of query types. Statistical
approaches based on associational inference are necessary for determining if there are
connections or correlations between variables. According to the findings of Morgan et al. (2020),
inquiries such as "What is the overall quantity of variables?"
D1.5 Write a Research Question and a Corresponding Hypothesis Regarding Variables
of Interest to You but Not in the HSB Dataset.
Research Question
Do disparities in job performance evaluations exist among individuals with different
degrees of severity of complex mental illness? To be more precise, could there be a discernible
discrepancy between the average performance of individuals with complicated mental illnesses
who have been diagnosed with high functioning and those who have been diagnosed with low
functioning?
Difference Research Questions
This type of hypothesis classifies individuals according to the levels or categories of the
independent variable. Then, we determine whether the mean ratings of these categories for the
dependent variable deviate from the standard deviation (Novosel, 2022).
Descriptive Research Questions
This form of investigation explores the correlation that exists between the values of
specific data points and their corresponding categories or levels, statistical significance, or
percentages (Novosel, 2022).
Associational Research Questions
VARIABLES, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND DATA CODING 6
According to Novosel (2022), this form of investigation or hypothesis assumes there is a
correlation or association between the scores of the independent and dependent variables.
Is it an associational, difference, or descriptive question?
Difference
D1.6 Using the HSB variables, religion, mosaic pattern test, and visualization score
D1.6 (a) Write an associational question.
Does religion and ethnicity exhibit any correlation?
D1.6 (b) Write a difference question.
Are there any characteristics that differentiate individuals who pass the visualization test
from those who pass visualization 2?
D1.6 (c) Write a descriptive question.
What range of scores is the mosaic pattern examination?
References
VARIABLES, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND DATA CODING 7
Morgan, G. A., Barrett, K. C., Leech, N. L., & Gloeckner, G. W. (2020). IBM SPSS for
Introductory Statistics Use and Interpretation (6th ed.). New York, NY, USA: Routledge.
Novosel, L. M. (2022). Understanding the evidence: Purpose statement, research
questions, and hypotheses. Urologic Nursing, 42(5), FC249.
https://doi.org/10.7257/21684626.2022.42.5.249
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