In this study, the independent variable is the variable that the researcher manipulates or categorizes to observe its effect on another variable. Here's a detailed step-by-step explanation:
1. Understand the Context of the Study:
The researcher is interested in comparing GPAs across different year students. So, the researcher is looking at how the year in college (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th) might influence or be related to the students' GPAs.
2. Identify Variables:
- GPA: This is what the researcher is measuring and comparing. It is the outcome of interest.
- College Year: This is the classification (1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year, 4th year) being used to differentiate the groups of students.
3. Determine the Independent Variable:
The independent variable is the one that potentially influences or causes changes in the dependent variable. It is often represented as the grouping variable or the factor being manipulated or categorized.
4. Identify the Dependent Variable:
The dependent variable is what the researcher measures. Here, it is the GPA, which is expected to vary based on the year in college.
5. Make the Determination:
- Gender: Gender is not specified as a factor the researcher is focusing on to compare GPA differences in this study. Therefore, it is not the independent variable here.
- College Year: This is the main factor being used to differentiate groups and study its effect on GPA. Therefore, this is the independent variable.
So, the independent variable in this study is College Year.
