Construct and Variables in Research Model

 Variables

When we model in a research  or create a conceptual framework / diagram then  variables  help us. There are 4 variables. These are-

1. Independent Variable
2. Dependent Variable
3. Mediating Variable
4. Moderating Variable

1. Independent Variable (IV)

The cause or predictor.
It is the variable you manipulate or consider as influencing another variable.

Example: Leadership style, training, budget, technology.

2. Dependent Variable (DV)

The effect or outcome.
It is what you measure and what you expect to change because of the independent variable.

Example: Green procurement performance, employee productivity, customer satisfaction.

3. Mediating Variable (Mediator)

Explains how or why an independent variable affects a dependent variable. one or more than one mediating variable can be. 
A mediator sits between the IV and DV.

Example:
Leadership style → Innovation capability (mediator) → Green procurement.

This means leadership style improves innovation capability, which then improves green procurement.

4. Moderating Variable (Moderator)

A variable that changes the strength or direction of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. It is qualitative.
A moderator affects when, for whom, or under what conditions the IV influences the DV.

Example:
Big data analytics capability (moderator) strengthens the relationship between e-procurement and green procurement performance.

So the effect is stronger when big data capability is high.

Simple Diagram

Mediator:
IV → Mediator → DV

Moderator:
Moderator
   ↓
IV → DV

Conceptual Framework 

Example 1-

Topic: Effect of Training Quality on Employee Performance

·        Independent Variable (IV)- Training Quality

·        Dependent Variable (DV)- Employee Performance

·        Mediator- Employee Motivation

·        Moderator- Organizational Support

Moderator

                           (Organizational Support)

                                              |

                                              v

Training Quality --------------------------------> Employee Performance

       |                                                                               ^

       |                                                                                |

       v                                                                               |

 Employee Motivation (Mediator) --------------------------

Q- What is Variable and Construct?

Variables-

We get answer by 1 question. Salary is variable

Construct-

A construct itself is neither purely qualitative nor purely quantitative—it’s an abstract concept. Constructs are neutral—they become quantitative or qualitative only through the variables and methods chosen.

Nature: Abstract idea (e.g., motivation, intelligence, trust, leadership).

Measurement: Can be approached in both qualitative and quantitative ways.

Example, 

Quantitative Measurement of a Construct

• You turn the construct into measurable variables with numbers.
• Example: Construct = Academic Motivation
• Variable: Score on a standardized motivation scale (e.g., 1–5 Likert items).
• Data: Student A scores 4.2, Student B scores 3.5.

Qualitative Measurement of a Construct

• You explore the construct through descriptions, interviews, or observations.

• Example: Construct = Academic Motivation

• Variable: Students’ narratives about why they study.

• Data: “I study because I want to make my parents proud.”

Mentioned that variables and constructs both are variable and also interchangeable.