Measurement Scales. Health, Medicine, Nursing Essay

Measurement Scales
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 Measurement Scales
Variables and constants are common terms in statistics, which form a fundamental part of every research. In this regard, appropriate measurement is required to realize a high level of success in any form of research. Above all, understanding the different kinds of variables is the key. As the name suggests, variable in layman’s language is anything that varies. It is a term that is used to mean the opposite to that which is constant. Variables can be classified into two broad categories, quantitative and qualitative variables, and can further be broken down into various subcategories. One way of classifying variables beneath the two broad categories is classifying them as either dependent or independent variables. Besides understanding the classification of variables, correlation and causation are two important statistical terms to put into consideration when dealing with variables. These terms vary accordingly with the context in which they are applied and this paper aims to discuss these terms within the medical context. 
Independent variables, otherwise known as a predictor or explanatory variable, refers to those that a researcher can manipulate to influence the outcome (Losh, 2017). In the medical context, experimental procedure undertaken by a researcher to determine a particular outcome can be termed as an independent variable. Some independent variables are however not able to be manipulated and the only way to identify them is through observation. On the other hand, the dependent variable or simply outcome variable refers to the response to the manipulation of the independent variable (Losh, 2017). In the medical context, the response that is discovered after treatment is administered represents the dependent variable. The values of a dependent variable primarily depend on the manipulation of the independent variable. Independent and dependent variables can as well be understood as causal and effect v...