What is a variable in statistical terms?

In statistical terms, a variable is defined as a characteristic or attribute that can take on different values or categories. This means that a variable is not constant; instead, it can change depending on the context or the specific observations being made. For example, height, weight, temperature, and age are all examples of variables because they can have a range of values. This variability is essential in statistics because it allows analysts to capture and analyze trends, relationships, and differences across datasets.

In contrast, the other definitions, such as a fixed characteristic, summarized form of data, or a calculation or measure, do not accurately describe what a variable is. A fixed characteristic remains constant and does not change, and while summarized data and calculations are important elements of statistical analysis, they do not describe the nature of variables themselves. Hence, recognizing that a variable changes is crucial for understanding data analysis and interpretation in statistics.