A condition or characteristic that can take on different values or categories is called:
A condition or characteristic that can take on different values or categories is called:
Options:
(a) A constant
(b) A variable
(c) A cause-and-effect relationship
(d) A descriptive relationship
✅ Correct Option: (b) A variable
Explanation (200+ words):
A variable is any condition, characteristic, or attribute that can take on different values or categories. Variables are central to all types of research because they represent the phenomena being studied. Examples include age, gender, intelligence, achievement, and motivation. In educational research, variables help researchers examine relationships, differences, and effects. Variables can be quantitative (measured numerically) or qualitative (categorical). Without variables, systematic investigation would not be possible. Understanding variables allows researchers to design studies, formulate hypotheses, and interpret results accurately. Variables provide the foundation for analyzing change, comparison, and causation.
10 Related PPSC Facts:
Variables can change. Opposite of constants. Central to research design. Can be quantitative or qualitative. Used in hypothesis formulation. Help measure relationships. Essential for data analysis. Represent study concepts. Used in all research types. Key research terminology.