Different Types of Variables - Essay Example

The researcher intervenes on some factors to see the resulting change in the dependent variable. On the other hand, dependent variables are outcome variables reflecting the effects of the dependent variable. These factors appear, disappear, diminish, or increase in research. For example, to determine the salt intake on hypertension, blood pressure is the dependent variable and salt intake is the independent variable. Other variables in research are extraneous variables, which represent the undesired elements affecting research, and the confounding variables, which are variables that negate the validity of the research (Lietz, Langer, and Furman 34).

Generally, research is divided into two main types, qualitative and quantitative research. Quantitative research is a statistical analysis that attaches values to the study variables in a study and utilizes statistical methods. Conversely, qualitative research is a non-statistical kind of study which seeks to provide the comprehension of the factors behind a problem. Either this study will provide a deal and insight into the preceding studies (Lietz, Langer, and Furman 34). A survey is a type of quantitative research often used to assess thoughts, opinions, and feelings.

Usually, a researcher has a predetermined set of questions for the survey sample. Using the representative sample the researcher then draws the population of interest from which he describes the attitude of the required variable from the population sample.In sociological research, the determination of the study topic is the first of the six steps. In this, the researcher identifies their aim for the study or the questions they want to research. Secondly, they look at the existing literature of what other sociologists have done on the topic they want to research (Lietz, Langer, and Furman 35).

Through this, they identify the existing gaps in the study and avoid duplication of already studied problems. Either, the review of the literature makes the researcher avoid mistakes made by others and choose the better methods of study. Then the researcher makes a hypothesis, which are the researcher’s statements describing how variables correlate. After adequate preparation, the researcher enters the field to collect relevant data (Lietz, Langer, and Furman 35). Depending on the method of research chosen and the sample size the researcher administers the study too to correct adequate data.

The fifth step is the analysis of the collected data. Here the researcher uses the central tendencies and other statistical approaches to code clean and arranges the data collected in a statistical manner (Lietz, Langer, and Furman 35). Finally, the researchers publish and share their findings with others. This will allow for more research and utilization of the research findings. In research, one variable shares a relationship either as cause-effect or as a correction. The cause is one variable directly having an effect on another variable.

For example, an increase in acceleration in a car will decrease the time for a journey. On the other hand, correlation refers to two or more factors having the same effect. For example, a family history of lung cancer and smoking has a chance of causing cancer in a person. However, it is not definite that they will actually cause cancer.American Sociological Association provides for five general principles of ethics in research. The first is professional competence. The researchers should marinate a strict level of competence in research as well as realize the limitations of their expertise.

Second, the researchers should widely employ integrity in the research (Lietz, Langer, and Furman 33). This means that they should be honest respectful and fair to the respondents and respect their privacy. Then there is adherence to professional and scientific responsibility. As researchers, sociologists should stick to occupational and scientific standards and be ready to accept responsibility for their work. Besides, in the research work respect for the respondent’s rights, diversity and dignity is a virtue of ethics (Lietz, Langer, and Furman 33).

Finally, the researchers should be aware of the social responsibilities of their professional and scientific role to the communities (Lietz, Langer, and Furman 34). In this, the application of their research should bring good to the community