In the research study described by the article, certain variables were introduced that would classify each student into demographic groups that the study would analyze.

• the geometry score determined quantitative and visual-spatial ability, which was considered necessary for success in science (male students generally scored higher in this variable)
• the science learning efficacy variable would be based on a survey that determined how much self-efficacy students possessed (male students generally scored higher in this variable)
• the number of books at home was meant to determine the socioeconomic status of the student (more White students had higher SES compared to minority students)

There was also a teacher variable that determined how much they performed science inquiry education, their intervention that would help mitigate the achievement gap for students.