This blog post explores the concept of variables in kinesiology research, detailing the definitions and roles of independent, dependent, and extraneous variables, illustrated through examples from the field.
In the field of kinesiology, researchers study a variety of variables that influence physical activity and exercise behavior. This blog post will delve into the concept of variables, their definitions, and the specific types of variables commonly used in research.
A variable is defined as anything that can take on more than one value or that can change. In kinesiology, different professionals focus on different types of variables:
To illustrate the concept of variables, consider the example of two professional heavyweight boxers: Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury. In a comparison known as the "tale of the tape," we can observe various variables:
Each of these variables can take on different values for each boxer. For instance, while both fighters may have the same number of losses and draws at a certain point, these numbers can change over time as they continue to compete. This highlights the dynamic nature of variables in research.
In kinesiology research, understanding the different types of variables is crucial for answering research questions. The three main types of variables are:
Independent Variable
The independent variable is the presumed cause within a study. It is typically something that the researcher manipulates or measures, believing it will influence other outcomes. For example, in a study investigating whether teaching methods improve student performance in kinesiology, the independent variable would be the quality of teaching.
Dependent Variable
The dependent variable is the outcome that researchers measure to see if it is affected by the independent variable. It is called "dependent" because its value depends on the independent variable. In our teaching example, the dependent variable would be the students' grades in the course.
Extraneous Variable
Extraneous variables are any variables that can affect the dependent variable but are not the independent variable. These variables reside outside the study but can still influence the results. For instance, factors such as students' study habits, health, sleep quality before exams, and the helpfulness of peers can all be considered extraneous variables in the context of student performance.
To further clarify these definitions, let’s revisit our research question: Does the quality of teaching improve student performance in kinesiology?
In this scenario, if two different professors teach the same course, the differences in their teaching styles would not be classified as the quality of teaching itself but rather as an extraneous variable affecting the students' performance.
In summary, understanding variables is fundamental in kinesiology research. A variable is anything that can take on more than one value or change over time. Researchers utilize independent, dependent, and extraneous variables to structure their studies and draw meaningful conclusions. By grasping these concepts, we can better appreciate the complexities involved in research within the field of kinesiology.
