The Variables

A variable is a concept that stands for a variation within a class of objects or

persons. It is a characteristic or property that can take different values or attributes.
Variables are the basic elements which are measured in a study. They are
observable and measurable.
Some researchers cannot answer their research questions because they do
not have clear measures of their variables. A variable must be operationally defined
according to how it is used in the study, so that it can be properly measured.
The operational definition gives a specific meaning to the variable. It specifies
how a variable or a term is interpreted in the study and also sets the procedure for
measuring variable. An operational definition of a variable used in one study may
differ from that employed in another study. The definition clarifies how a variable or
a term is used and measured in the study. A variable must be defined in terms of
events/units of measurement that are observable by the senses and serve as
indicators of the variable.
Types of Variables
Variables can be classified as: dependent, independent, intervening, and antecedent
variables.
a. Dependent Variable
The dependent variable is the “assumed effect” of another variable. It is the
change that occurs in the study population when one or more factors are changed or
when an intervention is introduced. Usually, the dependent variable is the problem
itself.
b. Independent Variable
The independent variable is the “assumed cause” of a problem. It is an
assumed reason for any “change” or variation for any dependent variable. A variable
is sometimes treated as “antecedent” variable (the variable before). Likewise, an
“antecedent” variable may be treated as an “independent” variable.
c. Intervening Variable
The intervening variable is a factor that works “between” the independent and
dependent variables. It can weaken (decrease) or strengthen (increase) the effect of
the independent on the dependent variables. It is also called a “facilitating variable,”
“moderator” or a “control variable.”
d. Antecedent Variable
An antecedent variable is a factor or characteristic which is found before (ante) the
independent variable. It is expected to influence the independent variable/s. It is
usually irreversible.
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is defined as an educated guess or a tentative answer to a
question. It is a statement about an expected relationship between two or more
variables that can be empirically tested. It is a researcher’s tentative prediction of the
results of the research formulated on the basis of knowledge of the underlying theory
or implications from the literature review.
Two views of hypotheses
a. Inductive - a generalization made from a number of observations. It is typical of
qualitative studies.
b. Deductive - derived from theory and aimed at providing evidence to support,
expand, or contradict aspects of that theory. It is typical of quantitative studies.
Functions of a Hypothesis
a. A single hypothesis might state that an independent variable is associated with
dependent variable.
b. Sometimes a hypothesis specifies that, under certain conditions [x, y, and z],
variable A is associated with or can influence variable B.
c. Some hypotheses may state that a particular characteristic of a person or
object varies according to another variable.
Types of hypotheses
Hypotheses can be classified either as null or alternative hypothesis,
directional or non-directional hypothesis, and quantitative or qualitative hypothesis.
a. Null vs. Alternative Hypothesis
A null hypothesis is a negative statement which indicates the absence of a
relationship/ correlation between two variables, an absence of a significant difference
between the proportions of two groups of people or objects possessing a particular
characteristic or an absence of difference between or among the means of two or
more groups with respect to a particular variable.
An alternative hypothesis, also called the research hypothesis, is the positive
form of the null hypothesis. It may state the presence of a significant relationship
between the independent and dependent variables, or the presence of a significant
difference between two means or two proportions.
A null hypothesis is a statistical statement that states that no statically
significant relationship or difference exists between variables.
b. Directional vs. Non- directional Hypotheses
A directional hypothesis states whether the relationship between two
variables is direct or inverse or positive or negative. A positive or direct relationship
is present when the value of one variable increases with the increase in the value of
another. The relationship is negative when the value of one variable increases as the
value of another decreases.
Directional hypothesis is a statement of the expected direction of the
relationship or difference between variables.
A non-directional is a statement that no relationship or difference exists
between the variables.
A non- directional hypothesis does not specify the direction of relationship
between variables. It merely states the presence of absence of a relationship
between two variables or that one variable influence another, or there is a significant
difference in the mean values of the two variables.
b. Directional vs. Non- directional Hypotheses
A directional hypothesis states whether the relationship between two
variables is direct or inverse or positive or negative. A positive or direct relationship
is present when the value of one variable increases with the increase in the value of
another. The relationship is negative when the value of one variable increases as the
value of another decreases.
Directional hypothesis is a statement of the expected direction of the
relationship or difference between variables.
A non- directional is a statement that no relationship or difference exists
between the variables.
A non- directional hypothesis does not specify the direction of relationship
between variables. It merely states the presence of absence of a relationship
between two variables or that one variable influence another, or there is a significant
difference in the mean values of the two variables.
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Hypothesis
A good quantitative hypothesis is based on sound reasoning. It provides a
reasonable explanation for the predicted outcome. It clearly and concisely states the
expected relationships between variables. It is testable.
Matrix of Sample Hypotheses

Types of
Types of Independent Variables
Hypotheses

Qualitative Quantitative
(Categorical) (Continuous)

Directional Group differences exist; Either a positive or negative

one group expected to relationship will exist.
perform better than the
Example: Higher scores on A
other group(s).
 Example: Group A will do are associated with higher
better than Group B scores on B.
Example: Higher scores on A
are associated with lower scores
on B.
Non-directional Group differences exist, Relationship will exist, but it is
but it is not clear which not clear if it will positive or
group will do better. negative.
Example: There will be a Example: Variable A is
difference between associated with variable B.
groups A and B.
Null No difference expected; No relationship expected.
groups will do the same.
Example: Variable A is not
Example: There is no associated with variable B.
difference between
groups A and B.

How to write hypothesis

In writing hypotheses, one must remember the following:
a. Hypothesis must be written in simple understandable language.
b. Hypothesis must focus on the variables. One must keep in mind the
distinction between independent and dependent variables.

PRACTICES EXERCISES
A. Below is a research paradigm about the research entitled “Factors that Influence
the Performance in Teaching English of Junior High School English Teachers in the
Philippines”
A B

Personal-related factors
 Age
 Sex
 Intelligence Quotient
 Disposition
Education-related factors
Performance in
 Grades in English
teaching English
 Number of English
subject taken in
college
 Extent of advance
studies in the English
language

Based on the paradigm, which is the assumed cause? A or B?

How about the assumed effect?
Now, formulate a directional and non-directional hypothesis based on the paradigm.

Directional hypothesis

Non-directional
hypothesis

B. The following is a possible research topic. Identify the independent variables and
the dependent variable. List down at least 5 independent variables on the given
topic, “Factors Affecting Students' Achievement in English Language Learning”

Independent variables Dependent variable

State your hypothesis on the space provided.

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