Q. What is a variable in social research? What are their different types? Elaborate.

Model Answer:

Variables in Social Research: Definition and Types

A variable in social research is a logical grouping of attributes or a concept whose value changes from case to case. It represents measurable characteristics central to positivist methodology, enabling researchers to formulate hypotheses and test causal relationships between social phenomena. The process of defining concepts in measurable terms is called operationalization.

Types Based on Causal Relationship

– Independent Variable (IV): The presumed cause manipulated or observed to determine effects. Example: education level in studying income patterns.
– Dependent Variable (DV): The presumed effect that changes in response to IV. Example: income level influenced by education.
– Intervening Variable: Mediates between IV and DV. Occupational prestige may intervene between education and income.
– Extraneous Variable: External factors researchers control to ensure validity. Family background could influence both education and income relationships.

Types Based on Measurement

– Categorical Variables: Distinct non-numerical categories
– Nominal: No inherent order (gender, religion)
– Ordinal: Ranked categories (social class: lower, middle, upper)
– Continuous Variables: Numerical values measured along a continuum (age, income, years of schooling)

The careful identification and operationalization of variables are fundamental to rigorous sociological inquiry. Durkheim’s suicide study exemplified this by operationalizing social integration as a measurable variable, establishing sociology’s scientific credentials.