Student Module: Understanding Variables in Research
Subject: English 10
Topic: Independent, Dependent, and Controlled Variables
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Define what variables are in research.
2. Identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables in a study.
3. Apply the “depends on” rule to determine the relationship between variables.
Content
What are Variables?
Variables are characteristics, qualities, or factors that can change or have different values in a
research study. They describe aspects of people, groups, events, conditions, or situations being
studied.
Examples of variables:
● Age
● Sex
● Income
● Grades
● Eye color
● Teaching method
● Hours of study
Types of Variables
1. Independent Variable
● The variable that is changed, manipulated, or selected to see its effect on another
variable.
● Considered the cause in a cause-and-effect relationship.
● Examples: Study habits, teaching strategy, drug dosage, number of study hours
2. Dependent Variable
● The variable that is observed and measured.
● Changes as a result of the independent variable and represents the effect or outcome.
● Examples: Test anxiety, academic performance, recovery rate, level of understanding
3. Controlled Variable
● Factors kept the same to make sure they do not influence the results.
● Ensures that changes in the dependent variable are due only to the independent
variable.
● Examples: Age of participants, grade level, length of the test, classroom environment,
time allotted for instruction
How to Identify Variables
1. What is changed or manipulated? → Independent variable
2. What is measured or observed? → Dependent variable
3. What is kept constant? → Controlled variables
4. Use the “depends on” rule: The dependent variable depends on the independent
variable.
Video Learning Activity
Instructions:
Link: [Link]
1. Get one sheet of paper ready. You will write your answers while watching the video.
2. Watch the video: “Independent, Dependent, and Controlled Variables Explained”
3. While watching, write down answers to these questions on your sheet:
○ What is a variable in research?
○ What is an independent variable?
○ What is a dependent variable?
○ What are controlled variables and why are they important?
4. Keep this sheet — you will use it for the guided practice activity next.
Guided Practice
Instructions:
1. Use the same sheet of paper from the video activity.
2. Read each problem statement carefully.
3. Identify the independent variable (cause) and the dependent variable (effect).
4. Write your answers on the sheet.
5. After finishing, check your answers using the answer key provided below.
Problem Statement 1:
“Some students do not participate in class because they lack motivation.”
● Independent Variable: ______________________________
● Dependent Variable: ______________________________
Problem Statement 2:
“Some students perform poorly on exams due to poor study habits.”
● Independent Variable: ______________________________
● Dependent Variable: ______________________________
Problem Statement 3:
“Some students have lower grades because they spend too much time on social media.”
● Independent Variable: ______________________________
● Dependent Variable: ______________________________
Problem Statement 4:
“Some students find it hard to concentrate because they do not get enough sleep.”
● Independent Variable: ______________________________
● Dependent Variable: ______________________________
Problem Statement 5:
“Some students struggle academically because they have difficulty understanding lessons.”
● Independent Variable: ______________________________
● Dependent Variable: ______________________________