Independent / Dependent Variables

Basic Introduction for SOWK 300 on Independent and Dependent Variables


Some variables such as Race, Age and ethnicity should never be used as dependent variables in social science analysis



Variable: A characteristic or attribute of persons, objects, or events that differs in value (i.e. it changes or varies) across such persons, objects, or events. To be a variable, a concept must have more than one value.
Continuous Variable: Classifies persons, objects, or events according to the magnitude or quantity of its attributes. Age is an example of a continuous variable; it increases steadily in tiny fractions instead of jumping from category to category.
Discrete Variable: Classifies persons, objects, or events according to the kind or quality of its attributes. Socio-economic status (SES) is a discrete variable; its values are categories such as lower-class, middle-class, and upper-class.
Dichotomous Variable: A discrete variable that has only two values or categories. Gender is a dichotomy; that is, it has two values, male and female.
Independent Variable: A variable that has an antecedent or causal role in relation to a dependent variable (i.e. a cause).
Dependent Variable: A variable that has a consequent or affected role in relation to an independent variable (i.e. an effect).

Control Variable: An independent variable that is held constant in an attempt to clarify the relationship between an independent and dependent variable.
Qualifying Condition: In a causal statement or hypothesis, it indicates the population or group to which the relationship is limited.

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