12

APP5
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
DEPARTMENT
PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

Lesson 6:
Nature of Variables

At the end of this course, the learners will demonstrate

1. To differentiate the nature of variables

Hello, everyone!
Today you will learn more about a variable. I know that you already have an idea
about what a variable is because it was introduced in the previous module, we will
deepen and clarify it more in this lesson. I am requesting you to recall your
knowledge about variable and get ready to learn more of the concept in this
module. Good luck!

Introduction

When you look around you, you will see objects of varying kinds, shapes, colors, and sizes. When you
look at yourself in the mirror, you will see a person
possessing characteristics different from what you will see
from your colleagues. No two individuals possessing same
characteristics. No two things from different brands and
manufacturers share common features as well. We all love
uniqueness. We love diversity. These uniqueness and
diversity range from the most visible features in our naked
eye to the most abstract features.

However, these characteristics are the usual objects of

questions by researchers because they affect us in one way
or another. An intelligent quotient of 140 is considered above normal; hence labeled as genius. On the
other hand, an intelligent quotient of 50 is considered way below normal and labeled as moron. Studying
how these characteristics affect us and others should ignite interest among us leading towards discovery
of ideas, propositions, and theories, making our lives more resilient to changes of these characteristics.

Nature of Varilables

1
Continuous quantitative variables are those, which we can take a middle value given the two values no
matter how close they are with each other. In the weighing scale that can afford to hold 100 kilos, a
weight of a person may be at 45.5 kilos, 60.8 kilos or may be 70 kilos. Continuous quantitative variables
can take a decimal or a fraction of quantity without reducing its meaning in reality.
Discrete quantitative variables are those characteristics that cannot take a middle value of the given
values but can take a value in a given range of values. In a questionnaire where you need to declare the
total male and female population in the class, you can say 10 females and 10 males but cannot say 10.5
females and 9.5 males. The logic is simple. There is no half male or half female in the class. Discrete
quantitative variable is always a whole number. Reducing the quantity into its decimal or fraction form
does not have meaning in reality.

Below is a summary chart of the specific nature of variables, its descriptions and examples:

2
What is the use of knowing these variables?
Knowing the nature of variables helps the researcher decide on what statistical tool he/she will use to
process the available data.

Distinguish whether the variables are nominal, ordinal, interval or ratio.

Variable Nature

1.Temperature ( 1000 C)

2. SHS Award ( High Honors)

3. Blood Type (A, B, AB, O)

4. Sex (boy /girl)

5. House Rent ( 1, 500 Php)

Answer: 1. Interval 2. Ordinal 3. Nominal 4. Nominal 5. Ratio

Let’s Remember this!

1. Variables are characteristics of an entity- a person, things, events that change as these
entities change. They are measurable or quantifiable.
2. Variables can be generally classified as quantitative or qualitative.
3. Quantitative variables can be "continuous" or "discrete".
4. Qualitative variables are also known as categorical variables.
5. Ordinal variables are categorical variables that are ranked or ordered but do not have
exact measurement.

2
Practical Research 2 | Lesson 6: Nature of Variables

Name: Jaella P. Taotao Name of Teacher: Ms. Paniamogan

Grade and Section: 12 Industry Date: September 25, 2021

Test I. (Written Work)

Instruction: Choose from the options the best idea that classifies the nature of the variable in an
item. Write the letter of the answer. ( 2 points each)
3
1. 165 centimeters height and 45 kilograms weight
a. 165 centimeters and 45 kilograms are both nominal variables
b. 165 centimeters and 45 kilograms are both ordinal variables
c. 165 centimeters and 45 kilograms are both interval variables
d. 165 centimeters and 45 kilograms are both ratio variables

2. Religion and Grade Level (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)

a. Religion is ordinal and Grade Level is nominal
b. Religion is nominal and Grade Level is ordinal
c. Religion is interval and Grade Level is nominal
d. Religion is interval and Grade Level is ratio`

3. Track (Academic, Arts and Design, TVL) and Learning Styles (Kinesthetic, Auditory, Visual)
a. Track and Learning Styles are both nominal variables
b. Track and Learning Styles are both ordinal variables
c. Track and Learning Styles are both interval variables
d. Track and Learning Styles are both ratio variables

4. Quiz Bee Winners (First, Second, Third) and Family Income (Low, Middle, High)
a. Quiz Bee Winners and Family Income are both nominal variables
b. Quiz Bee Winners and Family Income are both ordinal variables
c. Quiz Bee Winners and Family Income are both interval variables
d. Quiz Bee Winners and Family Income are both ratio variables

5. Temperature (99, 100, 101, 102, 103 Degrees Celsius) and Score in
Practical Research 2 (83, 97, 87, 99, 84)
a. Temperature is interval and Score is nominal
b. Temperature is nominal and Score is interval
c. Temperature is ratio and Score is ordinal
d. Temperature is interval and Score is ratio

6. A café owner decided to calculate how much revenue he gained from lattes each month. What type of
variable would the amount of revenue gained from lattes be?

a. Continuous b. Categorical c. Discrete d. Nominal

7. A café owner wanted to compare how much revenue he gained from lattes across different months of the
year. What type of variable is ‘month’?

a. Dependant b. Interval c. Categorical d. Continuous

8. Classify each of the following variables as either nominal or continuous.

Height Continuous
Race Nominal

Test I: _____________/ 16 | Timeliness: _________/10|

Total Score: ________/26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4
 Adapted from Dep Ed Module Practical Research 2: A module developed by DepEd-Davao City