The differences between independent variables and dependent variables.

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Using examples of your own choosing discuss the differences between independent variables and dependent variables. Address which (if either) is the more important for a researcher to focus on when conducting research in criminal justice and criminology. Also, what is the difference (or relationship) between a variable and an attribute?

Respond to the following classmates below:

Kyle:

Independent variables are “fixed” so to say. They are independent of anything else in the study, like other variables. Thus, independent variables are “predictor” variables, as they are part of the process to finding results. Dependent variables are just that, dependent, on the other variables. Their measurements are determined by the independent variables, hence why they are also known as the “response” or “outcome” variables. The categorization of these variables is only valid for one study at a time. For example, a researcher could could have a study where the independent variable is geographic location and it’s impact on poverty, the dependent variable; then a different researcher could have poverty as the independent variable to see the impact it has on crime rates, the dependent variable.

I feel that independent variables are slightly more important as they are the foundation of the the researcher’s work. If they are inaccurate then your dependent variables are wrong as well creating flawed work that may not be accepted by the academic community or rejected from even being published.

Variables and attributes are closely related. Variables are quantitative data sets recorded as measurements of some kind. Attributes are characteristics that are qualitative in nature. With variables we see commonly see measurements in everyday life such as length, width, height, or percentages. Meanwhile, attributes often are presented as charts or checklists and answer yes/no questions to see if an object meets requirements.

Hagan, F. E. (2018). Research methods in criminal justice and criminology (10th ed.). Pearson

Brittany:

Using examples of your own choosing discuss the differences between independent variables and dependent variables.

The independent variable is the factor that is intentionally altered or classified in order to examine its impact on the dependent variable.
Example: The independent variable in a study investigating the impact of police patrols on crime rates is the number of police patrols.

The dependent variable is the result or the variable that is assessed to determine if it is influenced by variations in the independent variable.
In the previous research, the crime rate is considered the dependent variable as it is anticipated to vary in response to the frequency of police patrols.

Independent variables are crucial as they aid in the identification of potential causes or factors that have an impact on outcomes. For instance, comprehending the impact of socioeconomic status (independent variable) on crime rates (dependent variable) can aid in the creation of focused solutions.

Dependent variables hold similar significance as they serve as representations of the occurrences that researchers aim to comprehend or forecast. To illustrate, when aiming to decrease recidivism rates (dependent variable), researchers must comprehend the elements (independent variables) that impact recidivism.

Correlation Between Variables and Attributes

Variables refer to the broad categories that academics focus on investigating, whereas attributes represent the specific instances or values that these variables can hav

 

Sample Solution

Independent variables are the factors or conditions that are manipulated or changed by the researcher to observe their effect on the dependent variable. They are essentially the causes or predictors in a study. For example, in a study examining the impact of education level on income, education level would be the independent variable.

Dependent variables are the outcomes or results that are measured in response to changes in the independent variable. In the previous example, income would be the dependent variable as it is influenced by the level of education.

Importance in Criminal Justice and Criminology

Both independent and dependent variables are crucial for research in criminal justice and criminology. Independent variables provide the foundation for exploring potential causes of criminal behavior, while dependent variables represent the outcomes or effects that researchers seek to understand.

However, the focus of a study often leans towards the independent variable as it helps identify potential factors influencing crime rates, recidivism, or other criminal justice outcomes. By understanding the independent variables, researchers can develop targeted interventions and policies to address these underlying causes.

Variables and Attributes

Variables are characteristics or properties that can vary among individuals or groups. They are broader categories that encompass different attributes. For example, the variable “age” can have attributes such as young, middle-aged, or elderly.

Attributes are specific values or categories within a variable. They provide more detailed information about the characteristics being studied. In the age example, “young,” “middle-aged,” and “elderly” are attributes of the variable “age.”

Evaluation of Classmates’ Responses

Both Kyle and Brittany accurately defined independent and dependent variables and provided relevant examples. They also correctly highlighted the importance of both types of variables in criminal justice research.

Kyle’s explanation of the relationship between variables and attributes is comprehensive and accurate. Brittany’s explanation could be further enhanced by providing specific examples to illustrate the difference between variables and attributes.

 

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