Introduction
A variable is a characteristic or an attribute by which a person or an object can be described. It reflects or expresses some concepts or constructs. A variable takes on different values. It can change from time to time for a given individual or object, or vary from person to person or from object to object.
Types of Variables
There are several ways of classifying variables. Variables can be categorical or they can be continuous. When subjects are classified by sorting them into groups, the attribute on which the classification is based is termed a categorical variable. Occupation, gender and marital status are examples of categorical variables.
When an attribute has an infinite number of values within a range, it is called a continuous variable. Height, weight, age and performance test scores are examples of continuous variables. The most important classification of variables is on the basis of their use within the research under consideration. This classification includes independent variables and dependent variables.
Variables that are antecedent to the dependent variable are called independent variables.
Variables that are a consequence of or dependents upon antecedent variables are called dependent variables.
The dependent variable is the phenomenon or object of study and investigation.
For example, organizational performance can be a dependent variable.
The independent variable is the factor that is measurably separate and distance from the dependent variable.
Corporate strategies such as administrative problems, technological problems and organizational problems are examples of independent variables that may relate to the dependent variable, organizational performance.
It is possible for a variable to be an independent variable in one study and a dependent variable in another.
Whether a variable is considered independent or dependent is determined by the research question and purpose of the study
