VARIABLES
Wednesday 2 January 2008

    So there are dependent variables, and independent variables.
    The independent variables in theory cause the dependent variables.
    And in scientific research, often, all variables or factors are held constant except one, to see the effect on any of the dependent variables.
    For example, a good night's sleep and a good breakfast usually results in a productive work day. And the lack of  sleep and essential nutrition often results in a low productive work day.
    And in business the selling or promotion of products and/or services could be considered the independent (cause) variables. And the reactions of prospects and/or customers buying as the dependent (result) variables.
    Of course from the customers point of view, their independent variables are the finding of reliable products and/or services. And those factors that influence same are the dependent variables including the sales representatives of venders, etc.
     For example, in selling, does the prospect and/or customers have the necessary money, need, and will they do business with you the sales representative?
     And from the buyers point of view, do the suppliers have the products and/or services wanted or needed, at proper prices, when needed?
     So the selections and influences of the variables can be complex indeed.
     As for myself at an early age I was interested in knowing what causes what? And perhaps like the news reporters: who, what, why, when, where, how?
     When you start to record and count what you see... you have basic data. And sooner or later you use numbers, and percentages to make sense of the information. And so as a result  at one time I created and published percentage tables and sold same to researchers.
    Some will even sort the records to come to valid conclusions. And one such example is a man who studied newspaper and magazine readership reports. He sorted the percentage of readings of various items, including advertisements, into high and low... and came up with some very valid conclusions. In fact he taught people how to create advertisements with a given percentage of reading!
     Sometimes the relationships between variables is such that you can not hold one constant. And so one smart mathematician created what are called the Pearsonian Product Moment Correlation Coefficients. That is any number of variables can be recorded for any number of cases, and calculations made to produce a statistic that varies from +1.000 to .000 to -1.000 and sense is made out of chaos.
     Those correlations show a verse or inverse relationship between variables in a spread sheet called a matrix. And just because there is a high correlation, or low, or none, does not mean one is the cause of the other. The reason being that there can be still another factor that influences both!
     I have done my share of inventing. And problem solving. And as I experiment and compare and devise... sooner or later I find a combination that produces the result I am seeking. This can be with a physical invention, or even with software for data processing or computer systems. For example I tried over a dozen times to make an IBM 407 tabulator do something it was not designed to do. When I succeeded, I made money as a result.
    And physical world inventions, over 50 have resulted from applied effort. No patents. But useful devices for self in my own business.
    I recall many years ago asking RCA how to make tape recorders very very small. And I suggested to another scientists that one day electronic circuits could be placed on paper. That man told me I should pursue that concept as it was worth a lot of money. But as you and I know that if you are not at the proper place on time... what is the use?
     I also wanted to experiment over 65 years ago with crystals as I sensed there was power in them. But again did not have the resources for experimentation. And now we have lasers as a result of experimentation with crystals!
     So let me suggest that you take the study of variables very seriously. As you study whatever interests you... you can become an authority.
     Recently during a TV interview I suggested that people buy a notebook and ask people they meet how to solve any given problem? And over a period of a year they would have enough information for an hourly TV program!
     So what problems concern you? Are you willing to invest some of your time seeking solutions?
     Another area of research into variables by yours truly has been the study of the human mind and the hidden abilities. As a result I have learned to touch consciously to the muscles and senses of my soul, and perceive and do things that are not possible in the physical alone!
     I maintain that anything is possible, what remains is what is probable right now.
- Pastor William