Dear Karl, Here is what I do.
1. Strictly speaking, I define the term independent variable to mean the variable that is manipulated in a true experiment. Also, I like to equate "factor" to independent variable. 2. Consquently the dependent variable is the response that may vary as a function of the dependent variable. 3. However, I teach that if the study is a quasi experiment in which a variable is manipulated but not accompanied by control of extraneous variables (e.g., two intact groups given different treatments), then we may call the manipulated variable independent. 4. One implication of this is that a study that consists solely of subject variables is not a quasi experiment but rather is an ex post facto study. 4. I do not like to use the terms findepedendt and dependent variables for nonexperimental research. In this type of research, the variables on the "input" side may be ex post facto or a personal characteristic of the subject (subject variable). Ideally, this term should be used to describe them. The response of the person can be called a response variable. 5. In a correlational study, a Pearson r may be calculated between, say, measured IQ and reaction time. I suggest that measured IQ be the predictor variable and reaction time be the predicted variable. 6. Sometimes it is also appropriate to call subject variables predictor variables. Reactions, please - and I can't wait to see what Karl does! Sincerely, Stuart From: "Wuensch, Karl L" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Teaching in the Psychological Sciences" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Independent and Dependent Variables Date sent: Tue, 22 Jun 2004 14:13:09 -0400 Send reply to: "Teaching in the Psychological Sciences" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Researchers frequently use the terms "independent variable" and > "dependent variable" when describing variables studied in their research. I > am of the opinion that these terms are frequently used inappropriately. I > am very interested in learning how YOU define these terms to students in > your classes. > > Please respond off-list to <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] I shall post to the list a summary of responses > received. Thanks a bunch. > > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > Karl L. Wuensch, Department of Psychology, > East Carolina University, Greenville NC 27858-4353 > Voice: 252-328-4102 Fax: 252-328-6283 > [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > http://core.ecu.edu/psyc/wuenschk/klw.htm > <http://core.ecu.edu/psyc/wuenschk/klw.htm> > > > --- > You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Stuart J. McKelvie, Ph.D., Phone: (819)822-9600 Chairperson, Extension 2402 Department of Psychology, Bishop's University, Fax: (819)822-9661 3 Route 108 East, Borough of Lennoxville, E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sherbrooke, Quebec J1M 1Z7, Canada. Bishop's University Psychology Department Web Page: http://www.ubishops.ca/ccc/div/soc/psy --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
