Variables 1

A dependent variable is the variable that is measured in an experiment (Babbie, 2007) . A

dependent variable responds to changes in the independent variable (Babbie, 2007). It is called

dependent because it “depends” on the independent variable. Therefore, changes in the

independent variable cause changes in the dependent variable.

In the article, ‘High-risk Drinking in College: What We Know and What We Need to

Learn’, researches found that the presence of a Greek system on campus increases the likelihood

of heavy alcohol use (National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2002, p.23).

Therefore, the independent variable in this case is the presence of a Greek system on

campus. The independent variable is indicated by measuring participation by individual students

in fraternities or sororities, whether or not the students are living in a Greek house, whether they

belong to a Greek organization and their intent to join the Greek system.

The variable that is dependent on the independent variable that has been identified above

is alcohol consumption. The dependent variable is indicated by measuring rate of binge drinking,

frequency of drinking and negative consequences associated with drinking.

Hypothesis statement: The presence of a Greek system on campus increases alcohol

consumption in college students.

 Variables 2

References

Babbie, E. R. (2007). The Basics of Social Research. Wadsworth Publishing.

National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2002). High Risk Drinking in College:

What We Know and What We Need to Learn. U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services. Retrieved from http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/media/

FINALPanel1.pdf