While conducting a research, you will need to gather vast amount of data for analysis. Data analysis is the fourth chapter of a dissertation and is the means through which you can prove the theory that you have proposed in the introduction and literature review. A research work can make use of different types of variables for analyzing data. Variables are logical sets of attributes, which assume certain values and help in measurement of the qualities of the group being studied. Here, I have tried to explain the different variables that you can use:
- Controlled Variables: these are the variables, which the researcher keeps in control, so that they do not impact the other variables. Controlling a variable means that you select the respondents in a restrictive manner. For instance, if you wish to set age as the controlled variable, then you will select respondents who are only within a certain age limit. This is done to ensure that variation in one of the factors is limited.
- Dependent Variables: the Dissertation Data Analysis for most experimental or quasi-experimental research works will seek to establish a cause and effect relationship between variables. The variables which are under some control and whose value depends on the changes in other variables are called dependent variables.
- Independent Variables: these are the causal variables, which impact the dependent variables, and have an impact on the outcome of research.
- Extraneous Variables: in a study that seeks to explain the causal relation between variables, the researcher has to pay attention to some external factors that can impact the study. All factors affecting a set of variables cannot be considered by a study, as this will make the research unnecessarily complex. Hence, few factors have to be eliminated.
- Standard Variables: this category is relevant for social science studies, wherein similar variables are used in most cases. Though the exact variables will depend on the requirement of the study, some factors like age, education level, employment, ethnicity and gender will be used in most studies for data analysis.
When deciding the variables to be used, Dissertation Statistics Consultation must be sought from PhD statisticians. The mentors will guide you not just about the type of variables, but also regarding the manner in which the variables must be analyzed.