In experimental research-based studies the observations derived from which of the following variables are considered for statistical analysis?

Research is a systematic inquiry towards understanding a complex social phenomenon or a process. Based on the research problem, the selection of research methods by the researcher may vary.

Experimental Research:

• It is a systematic and scientific approach to research on establishing causal relationships.
• It investigates a hypothesis through experiments in a controlled environment where a variable is manipulated by the researcher and its impact is observed on the dependent variable.
• It requires two variables:

1. Independent Variable: This is the variable that is directly controlled or manipulated to examine its effect on the dependent variable.
2. Dependent Variable: It is that factor that varies as the experimenter introduces, removes, or varies the independent variable.

• In other words, X (independent variable) causes Y (dependent variable).
• The observations derived from the dependent variable are considered for statistical analyses and the results are generalized to the larger population.
• For example, a study to determine the effects of a new teaching strategy on the learning outcome of students. In this, the teaching strategy is the independent variable and the learning outcome of students is the dependent variable.

NOTE:

• Moderator Variable: It refers to a variable that can strengthen, diminish, negate, or otherwise alter the association between independent and dependent variables. e.g., gender, age, income, education, etc.
• Control Variable:  It is those independent variables that are not part of the research study, but they have an influence on the dependent variable that cannot be overlooked.

Hence, in experimental research, the observations derived from the dependent variable is considered for statistical analysis.