PSYC 201W Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Dependent And Independent Variables, Random Assignment, Interval Ratio
27 Nov 2020
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Document Summary
The independent variable is the one that is manipulated by the researcher and the dependent variable is measured by the researcher. The independent variable is the one that is thought to affect the dependent variable. The levels of qualitative variables provide information about the type or kind; whereas the levels of quantitative variables differ in amount. The levels of discrete variables do not have intermediate values between them. For example people will either have 2 or 3 children, but they will not have 2. 5 children. Continuous variables do have intermediate values between the levels. Examples of continuous variables are height, weight, and reaction time. Additionally, we described the different scales of measurement and what kind of information is best represented by each scale. Finally we ended with a discussion on the importance of having valid and reliable measures. Module 4 notes moderator variables- in uence the direction and strength of the relationship between two variables.
