Variable
Variable (medicine)
Variable (pronounced: /ˈvɛərɪəbəl/) is a term used in medicine to describe a factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. The term originates from the Latin word variabilis, meaning changeable.
Definition
In the context of medicine, a variable can refer to any characteristic, number, or quantity that can be measured or counted. A variable may be inherent, such as sex or blood type, or it can be determined by certain conditions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, or body temperature. Variables are used in medical research to test hypotheses and draw conclusions.
Types of Variables
There are several types of variables in medicine:
- Dependent Variable: This is the outcome that the researcher is interested in, such as the effect of a drug on patients.
- Independent Variable: This is the factor that the researcher manipulates, such as the dosage of a drug.
- Confounding Variable: This is a factor that can cause or prevent the outcome of interest, but is not the factor being studied.
- Control Variable: This is a factor that is kept constant to prevent its influence on the outcome of the experiment.
Use in Medical Research
Variables are crucial in medical research as they allow for the measurement and analysis of differences and changes. They are used in clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and other types of medical research. By manipulating one variable and observing the effect on another, researchers can determine cause-and-effect relationships.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Variable
- Wikipedia's article - Variable
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