Much to Ellis, Harley, and Walsh’s credit, though, it should be mentioned that they do try to expand on the definition that they provide and give a better explanation of what a scientific variable is. For instance, it is remarkable that the researchers oppose the concept of the variable to that one of a constant, making it clear that the tendency to change depending on various factors is the key specifics of a variable. Therefore, the authors allow narrowing the definition down a bit by stating that a variable is linked to a particular set of factors, which predetermine its value.
Furthermore, the study conducted by Ellis, Harley and Walsh reveals that, when applied to criminology specifically, a scientific variable is tied in with a range of social factors and, in fact, becomes a social variable. Thus, planting the tern in question into a particular environment, Ellis, Harley and Walsh help specify the details of a scientific variable. It must be admitted that in criminology, the seemingly vague phenomenon takes rather clear shapes, therefore, helping to coin an even more precise definition. From what Ellis, Harley and Walsh say, in criminology, a scientific variable is a particular characteristic, or a set of characteristics, of a certain person, which helps analyze the given person’s behavioral patterns and, therefore, acquire crucial information for a particular investigation.
