Course: Statistics
An environmental variable is a factor or condition in a study’s setting that can influence the outcome of the research.
When conducting research, scientists deal with a multitude of factors. Above all, they need to understand and account for these factors to make their research valid. In social research, these factors are called variables. Just as the word suggests, a variable varies or changes. It can be anything from a person’s age, their income, to how much they like to read. An environmental variable is one type of variable. This type of variable is not about trees and birds, but about the “environment” or the setting in which the research happens.
Understanding Environmental Variables
Think of an environmental variable as the backdrop of a play. The characters and story can change, but the backdrop sets the scene and impacts the whole play. In research, an environmental variable might be the time of day, the location, or the weather conditions during the study. These factors aren’t what the research is about, but they can influence the results.
Environmental Variables in Criminal Justice
Let’s look at an example from criminal justice. Suppose researchers are studying the impact of police patrols on crime rates. They might compare crime rates in areas with regular police patrols to those without. In this case, the environmental variable could be the socio-economic status of the neighborhoods. A wealthy neighborhood might have different crime patterns compared to a low-income one, and it might affect how police patrols influence crime rates.
Social Work
In social work, consider a study on the effectiveness of a new after-school program for at-risk youth. The environmental variable might be the resources available in the community. For instance, if the community has a library, parks, or other free, safe spaces for kids to go to, it might impact the effectiveness of the program.
Political Science
Lastly, let’s look at political science. Researchers might study whether a public awareness campaign influences voter turnout. The environmental variable could be the predominant political leaning of the community. If the community generally aligns with the campaign’s message, they might be more likely to respond positively, affecting voter turnout.
Importance of Environmental Variables
In conclusion, environmental variables play a vital role in social research. They set the scene for the study and can significantly influence the results. Consequently, researchers must account for them to ensure the validity of their research. All things considered, these “backdrop” factors are crucial pieces of the research puzzle. Not only do they add depth and complexity to the study, but also they help provide a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the world around us.