Q: How do I explain why my topic has two dependent variables (DVs)?
My topic is: 'The impact of multiple taxation on the growth and profitability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).'
It’s perfectly fine to have more than one DV in a study, just as it is to have more than one independent variable (IV) in the study. These are typical of real-world studies, which analyze interaction and interdependency of multiple factors and variables and are meant to yield rich insights. Going by the title, your topic would seem to be a perfect example of this, as a multiple taxation system can indeed affect how SMEs grow and how profitable they can be.
Providing arguments for any of the choices you make in your study would come from your knowledge of the field in particular and of research methodology in general. Besides that, it can come from the knowledge and insights gained from a thorough literature search of the topic.
Coming back to your study, while we would urge you to think through your argument based on the points discussed above, a few reasons we can think of for having two DVs and therefore studying both are as follows. Firstly, it would allow a better prognosis of the sustenance of SMEs in a multiple taxation environment. From a research perspective, it would eschew the need of having two separate studies to explore two different factors – especially as they are so closely related.
Hope that helps. But again, do use your own research acumen and experience as well as a literature search to craft your arguments. All the best for the explanation – and the study/paper!
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