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(A) Concepts: (variable relationships)
A concept is as an abstraction (idea/thought/notion) formed from the observation of certain behaviours. Kerlinger (1993) defines concepts as an abstraction formed by generalization from particulars. Scientists begin the process of research by forming concepts for describing the empirical world. Terms like ‘intelligence’, ‘honesty’, ‘aggressiveness’, ‘learner’, ‘school’, ‘teacher’ are concepts.
Constructs
When a concept is deliberately and consciously invented or adopted for a special scientific purpose, it becomes a construct (build, make, and create). (Ogula, 1998) defines a construct as a psychological quality which we assume exists in individuals and helps us to explain aspects of their behavior e.g. intelligent, lazy, hand working etc
Functions of Concepts. 1. Concepts provide a common language which enables scientists to communicate with one another 2. Concepts give scientists a perspective – a way of looking at phenomena 3. They allow scientists to classify their experiences and to generalize from them 4. They are components of theories – they define a theory’s content and attributes.
(B) Variables
A concept which can take on different quantitative values is called a variable.
One of the most important concepts in research is the concept of variables. A variable stands for variation within a class of objects that the researcher manipulates, controls, or observes.
Fraenkel and Wallen (2000), defines a variable as a measurable characteristic, which assumes different characteristics among the subjects. Variables often measured in social science include age, height, exam scores, gender, marital status, social economic status etc. It’s important to note that individual members in the class of subjects must differ or vary to qualify to be considered as a variable. If all members are identical, the characteristics are referred to as constants.
Types of Variables
(1) Independent and Dependent Variables:
An independent variable is one that the researcher makes changes in or manipulates in order to determine its effect or influence on the dependent variable.
(2) Confounding (confusing/perplexing/puzzling/mystifying )Variables
These are variables that might influence the dependent variable and whose effect may be confused with the effects of the independent variable.
(3) Moderating Variables
In a relationship, there is at least one independent variable and dependent variable. It is normally hypothesized that in some way the independent variable ‘causes’ the dependent variable to occur. A moderating variable is a second independent variable that has been selected for study in order to determine if it affects or modifies the basic relationship between the primary independent variable and the dependent variable
(C) Research Problem
A research problem is a ‘perceived difficulty’, ‘a feeling of discomfort with the way things are’. It is an intellectual stimulus calling for a response in the form of scientific inquiry. According to Ogula (2005), a research problem is an intellectual challenge or a question of interest which can be answered through collection, analysis and interpretation of data. For instance, one may want to “investigate the factors influencing loan repayments among female business women’. It is important to note that the problem identified should be from an area of interest and where one has some basic knowledge about.
Kavungya answered the question on March 7, 2019 at 06:25