This document discusses key concepts in research methods including concepts, constructs, variables, and different types of variables. It defines a concept as an abstraction formed from generalizing particulars that helps understand categories. A construct is a focused abstract idea inferred from observable phenomena. A variable is a factor or aspect that can be measured and varies in values. The document outlines different types of variables including attribute and active variables, dependent and independent variables, qualitative and quantitative variables, moderator and combined variables. It also distinguishes between continuous and categorical variables.

1. Concept, Construct
and Variable
SAJJAD AHMAD
UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA

2. Concept
Concept gives a vivid picture on something, which helps to understand the category and
diversity of particular related pragmatic phenomenon.
an expression of an abstraction formed be generalization from particulars

3. Conceptualization
is the refinement of abstract concepts

4. Construct
Construct means focused abstract idea on something inferred from an observable phenomenon.
is a concept that has been formulated so that it can be used in science

5. Variable
‘Variable’ means the factor or aspect of an issue or incident or a content which should be able to
be measured. Variable is based on values. It varies from incident to incident, issue to issue. We
may have example- if we are conducting a research on the present condition of village, there the
demographic profile, economic condition, health and hygiene status could be considered as
variables.
It is a property that can take on different values, an empirical indicator of constructs

6. Attribute Variables
Measured Variables, subjects characteristics cannot be manipulated
Male/female these attributes were pre exisiting

7. Active Variables
Manipulated variables "manipulation" means doing different things to different groups of
subjects
When a researcher does one thing to one group and somesomenting else to the other group
-2 groups follow different directions

8. Types of Variables
1
• Dependent and Independent variables: An independent variable is
presumed the cause of the dependent variable –the presumed effect.
Dependent Variable (DV) is one which changes in relationship to
changes in another variable (IV).
2
• Experimental and Measured variable: The experimental variables spell
out the details of the investigators manipulations while the measured
variables refer to measurements.

9. Types of Variables
3
• . Active and Assigned variables: Any variable which can be
manipulated is called active variable and if that cannot be manipulated
is called assigned variable.
4
• Qualitative and Quantitative Variables: the quantitative variable is one
whose values or categories consist of numbers. On the other hand this
variable category can be expressed numerically. But the qualitative
variable consists of discrete categories rather than numerical units.

10. Types of Variables
5
• Moderator and Combined Variables: The moderator variable is a secondary independent
variable which is selected for study to determine if it affects the relationship between the
primary independent variable and the dependent variable. On the other hand the combined
variable maintain the relationship with a cause ,relationship and effects.

11. Types of Variables
• is capable of taking on an ordered set of values within a certain range
values of a continuous variable reflect at least a rank order.
Continuous variable
• - belong to nominal measurement individuals are categorized by their
possession of the characteristic that defines and sub set. To categorize
means to assign an object or a sub class on the basis of having or not
having a characteristic.
Categorical variable

12. Further Reading
Social Research Methods by: Alan Bryman
Research Methods for Business Students by Mark N.K. Saunders and Philip Lewis