Identifying Variables in Education Research

Providing praise to increase the use of kind words. Which is the DEPENDENT variable?

• Praise

• Kind words

• Both

Measuring how many math problems a student completes after providing extra time. Which is the DEPENDENT variable?

• Math problems completed

• Extra time

• Student effort

Introducing a visual schedule to see if it helps students transition between activities. Which is the INDEPENDENT variable?

• Visual schedule

• Student transitions

• Both

Tracking task initiation time to determine if a verbal countdown helps students begin work faster. Which is the DEPENDENT variable?

• Verbal countdown

• Task initiation time

• Student motivation

Providing movement breaks to observe if it increases student focus. Which is the INDEPENDENT variable?

• Movement breaks

• Student focus

• Both

Recording student participation in discussions after introducing structured discussion prompts. Which is the DEPENDENT variable?

• Student participation

• Structured discussion prompts

• Engagement strategies

Using differential reinforcement to measure its effect on reducing calling out. Which is the INDEPENDENT variable?

• Differential reinforcement

• Calling out

• Behavior management strategies

Measuring how often a student stays in their seat after implementing a token reinforcement system. Which is the DEPENDENT variable?

• Staying in seat

• Token reinforcement system

• Both

Implementing a mindfulness exercise before tests to evaluate its effect on test anxiety. Which is the INDEPENDENT variable?

• Mindfulness exercise

• Test anxiety

• Student performance

Tracking how long a student remains on-task after using noise-canceling headphones. Which is the DEPENDENT variable?

• On-task behavior

• Noise-canceling headphones

• Student motivation