In research, a variable refers to a characteristic or attribute that can vary or change. It is a measurable or observable quantity that can be manipulated or controlled by the researcher. Variables are used to study the relationship between different factors or to determine the effect of certain factors on a particular outcome. They can be independent variables, which are manipulated or controlled by the researcher, or dependent variables, which are the outcomes or responses that are measured or observed. Variables are essential in research as they help in understanding and analyzing the relationships and patterns within a study.