Concept, Construct and

Variable

By
Dr. Anamika Ray
Assistant Professor in Mass Communication
Gauhati University, Assam, India
CONCEPT

The word ‘concept’ gives a vivid picture on something,

which helps to understand the category and diversity of
particular related pragmatic phenomenon.
CONSTRUCT

The word ‘construct’ means focused

abstract idea on something inferred
from an observable phenomenon.
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.
TYPES OF VARIABLES

1.Dependent and Independent variables: An

independent variable is presumed the cause of the
dependent variable –the presumed effect. Dependent
variable is one which changes in relationship to changes
in another variable.

2.Experimental and Measured variable: The

experimental variables spell out the details of the
investigators manipulations while the measured
variables refer to measurements.
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.
 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.
FARTHER READING

 Ahuja. R (2014), Research Method, Rawat

Publication, New Delhi