STEPS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH:

Figure 1: The steps involved in every research.

VARIABLES
The process of, undertaking a research entails the consideration of measurable factors that are
subject to change due to circumstances. These factors are called variables. The idea of variable
is central to research because the title of a research is made up of it and it is also the focus
of this study. Research often concerns relationships between variables and according to
Adegun (2005) most researches are concerned with establishing interrelationships among
variables and every aspect of research needs fundamental characteristics and ingredient,
and these are called variables.

A variable is not only something to be measured, it is what a researcher can also

manipulate and control for as obtainable in experimental research.

A variable is an object, event, idea, feeling, time period or any other category one is trying
to measure. It is important to state that variables may have the following characteristics
such as: a period when they start or stop, they must have a pattern such as daily,
weekly, ad-hoc and monthly, they are quite detailed with an overview of in depth among
others.

In research, variables are any characteristics that can take on different values, such as height,
age, temperature, or test scores.

Researchers often manipulate or measure independent and dependent variables in studies to

test cause-and-effect relationships. The independent variable is the cause. Its value is
independent of other variables in your study. The dependent variable is the effect. Its value
depends on changes in the independent variable.

An independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment

to test the effects on the dependent variable.

A dependent variable is the variable being tested and measured in a scientific experiment.

The dependent variable is 'dependent' on the independent variable. As the experimenter

changes the independent variable, the effect on the dependent variable is observed and
recorded.
 Research question Independent variable Dependent variable(s)

Do tomatoes grow fastest Type of light the tomato plant The rate of growth of the
under fluorescent, is grown under tomato plant
incandescent, or natural
light?
What is the effect of Presence or absence of Blood sugar levels
intermittent fasting on blood intermittent fasting
sugar levels?
Is medical marijuana effective Presence or absence of Frequency of pain
for pain reduction in people medical marijuana use
with chronic pain? Intensity of pain
To what extent does remote Type of work environment Job satisfaction self-reports
working increase job (remote or in office)
satisfaction?

Moderating variable: This is a variable that has a conditional influence which is strong
enough to modify the original relationship between the dependent and independent variable. As
the name implies, it moderates the strength of the relationship or association between the
dependent and independent variables. It affects the direction and/or strength of the relation
between an independent and a dependent variable. For example, a research into the effect of
quality of instruction on academic performance of students may have a moderating variable like
interest of students.

Intervening variable: In more complex causal relationships, the intervening variable acts
like a link between the dependent and independent variable, and in a way, accounts for the
causal relationship between them. The intervening variable cannot be directly measured
or controlled and have direct and strong effect on the result or end product of a study.
The intervening variable is also known as the mediating variable. For example, a research
work which focuses on the association between management practices and staff
productivity may have an intervening variable like job satisfaction.

Extraneous variable: In an experiment, an extraneous variable is any variable that you’re not
investigating that can potentially affect the outcomes of your research study.

If left uncontrolled, extraneous variables can lead to inaccurate conclusions about the
relationship between independent and dependent variables.

Research question Extraneous variables

Is memory capacity related to test  Test-taking time of day
performance?  Test anxiety
 Level of stress
Does sleep deprivation affect driving  Road conditions
ability?  Years of driving experience
 Noise

HYPOTHESIS

A hypothesis is an assumption that is made based on some evidence. This is the initial point of
any investigation that translates the research questions into predictions. It includes components
like variables, population and the relation between the variables. A research hypothesis is a
hypothesis that is used to test the relationship between two or more variables.

Characteristics of Hypothesis

 The hypothesis should be clear and precise to consider it to be reliable.

  If the hypothesis is a relational hypothesis, then it should be stating the relationship
between variables.
 The hypothesis must be specific and should have scope for conducting more tests.
 A hypothesis must have a specific statement of prediction.

Types of Hypothesis:

Complex Hypothesis

It shows the relationship between two or more dependent variables and two or more
independent variables. Eating more vegetables and fruits leads to weight loss, glowing skin, and
reduces the risk of many diseases such as heart disease.

Directional Hypothesis

It shows how a researcher is intellectual and committed to a particular outcome. The

relationship between the variables can also predict its nature. Example- children aged four years
eating proper food over a five-year period are having higher IQ levels than children not having a
proper meal. This shows the effect and direction of the effect.

Non-directional Hypothesis

It is used when there is no theory involved. It is a statement that a relationship exists between
two variables, without predicting the exact nature (direction) of the relationship.

Null Hypothesis

It provides a statement which is contrary to the hypothesis. It’s a negative statement, and there
is no relationship between independent and dependent variables. The symbol is denoted by
“HO”.

Associative and Causal Hypothesis

Associative hypothesis occurs when there is a change in one variable resulting in a change in
the other variable. Whereas, the causal hypothesis proposes a cause and effect interaction
between two or more variables.

What should be the source of hypothesis: (Additional reading)

 The resemblance between the phenomenon.

 Observations from past studies, present-day experiences and from the competitors.
 Scientific theories.
 General patterns that influence the thinking process of people.

The functions performed by the hypothesis:

 Hypothesis helps in making an observation and experiments possible.

 It becomes the start point for the investigation.
 Hypothesis helps in verifying the observations.
 It helps in directing the inquiries in the right direction.