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variables we are trying to measure. An independent variable is the
presumed cause of the dependent variable, the presumed effect. The
independent variable is the antecedent and the dependent variable
is the consequent. The independent variable is also called the
experimental, manipulated, treatment, cause, and input variable.
A variable that is independent in one study may be dependent in
◆ Presumed cause of another. Take the case of the relationship between farmer’s income
dependent variable and water availability. If we take income as the dependent variable
and water availability (for irrigation) as the independent variable,
the relationship between the two can be shown as: the higher the
availability of water, the higher the income and vice versa. But, if
we want to show the relationship between income (independent
variable) and quality of life (dependent variable), we can say: the
higher the income, the higher the quality of life (or standard of
living). In the first study, income is the result and in the second
study income is the cause.
C. Based on cause-and-effect relationship
The variables can be classified as follows based on cause and
effect relationship:
I. Mediating Variable/ Intervening Variable

◆ Intervenes between Mediating variable explains the relationship between dependent
dependent and and independent variables. The intervening variable intervenes
independent or mediates between the dependent and independent variable and
explains the process by which two variables are related.
Example:

Figure 3.1.2 Mediating Variable

88 SGOU - SLM -MCom Research Methodology