The correct answer is c. variable. Sociological studies test relationships in which a change in one variable causes a change in another. In the field of sociology, variables are key components of research, and researchers seek to understand how changes in one variable can impact or relate to changes in another variable.

To explain why “variable” is the correct answer, let’s delve into the concept of variables in sociological research and then discuss why the other options are not as appropriate.

c. Variable (Correct Answer):

In sociological research, a variable is any factor, attribute, or concept that can take on different values and is subject to change. Variables can be used to measure or represent aspects of the social world, such as age, income, education, or attitudes.

Researchers use variables to examine relationships and interactions between different aspects of society and the social behavior of individuals or groups.

When conducting sociological studies, researchers aim to understand how changes in one variable can influence or correlate with changes in another. For example, they might investigate how changes in educational attainment (one variable) impact changes in income (another variable).

Variables are central to the scientific and systematic study of society, as they allow researchers to formulate hypotheses, collect data, analyze patterns, and draw conclusions about social phenomena.

Sociological studies often seek to identify causal relationships, whereby a change in one variable (the independent variable) is believed to cause a change in another variable (the dependent variable). The testing of these relationships through empirical research is a fundamental aspect of sociological inquiry.

Now, let’s examine why the other options are not as suitable:

a. Test Subject:

“Test subject” is not the correct answer because it does not represent the central concept in sociological research. While test subjects (participants or respondents) play a crucial role in sociological studies, they are not the primary focus when considering the relationships being investigated.

The key elements in sociological research are the variables and their relationships, not the test subjects themselves.

b. Behavior:

“Behavior” is an essential aspect of sociological research, as sociologists often study and analyze human behavior. However, the central concept in sociological studies is not behavior per se but the variables that may be used to measure or describe behavior.

Variables can encompass a wide range of factors, including behaviors, attitudes, characteristics, or demographics. The focus is on how different variables relate to one another.

d. Operational Definition:

“Operational definition” refers to the specific, clear, and measurable way in which a variable is defined and measured in a research study. While operational definitions are crucial for ensuring that variables are consistently and accurately measured, they are not the primary focus when considering the relationships tested in sociological studies.

The primary focus is on the variables themselves and how changes in one variable may affect another.

In conclusion, the correct answer is c. variable because sociological studies aim to test relationships between variables, with the objective of understanding how changes in one variable can lead to changes in another.

Variables are the foundational elements of sociological research, enabling researchers to investigate and explain the complex dynamics of social life. A comprehensive understanding of variables is essential for conducting meaningful and rigorous sociological research and contributing to the broader body of sociological knowledge.