Intervening Variable
The intervening variables are abstract processes not directly observable, but which link the independent and dependent variables. Language learning and teaching typically take place inside the subjects’ heads, including various processes of language acquisition that can’t be observed by the researcher. It is a hypothetical variable used to explain causal relationships between variables. Experimental variables cannot be observed (that’s why they are hypothetical).
The intervening variable is sometimes referred to as a mediating variable or intermediary variable. An intervening variable is usually considered a subtype of a mediating variable in statistics. These terms have been used interchangeably for a long time, however, and the lines between them are somewhat blurry. In research terminology the intervening variable can be described as
Intervening Variable Example
For example, if a particular teaching method is the independent variable while mastery of the objectives is the dependent variable, then language learning processes used by the subjects are the intervening variables. As an example, poverty is associated with a shorter life span. The fact that someone is poor does not automatically mean they will die early, so other hypothetical variables are used to explain the phenomenon. Among these intervening variables could be a lack of access to healthcare or poor nutrition.
Limitations of Intervening Variables
A hypothetical construct like personality, intelligence, or attitude would be an intervening variable. A major limitation is that they can’t be measured since they aren’t “real” variables. Because of this, it is impossible to quantify how much of the experimental results are due to the independent variables versus how much is due to each of the intervening variables.
Intervening Variables FAQs
The pragmatic value of intervening variables is that they ____.
a) obscure the consciousness versus behaviorist distinction
b) are positivist
c) are observable
d) are essential for dealing with hypothetical constructs
e) have been reified
Answer: d) are essential for dealing with hypothetical constructs
An intervening variable is a mediator and can influence the relationship between the independent and dependent variable in a study.
a) True
b) False
Answer : a) True
What is an intervening variable?
a) The outcome variable
b) The variable that the researcher has control over and can manipulate.
c) The cause variable
d) A variable that helps explain the relationship between two variables
Answer: c) The cause variable
What is another name for an intervening variable?
a) Moderating variable
b) Causal variable
c) Mediating variable
d) Outcome variable
Answer: Mediating Variable
An intervening variable tells……… there is a relationship between two variables.
A) How
B) When
C) What
D) Why
Answer: D) Why
Also Read This Article: Moderating Variable
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