I need to write a research paper. I picked the economic impact of illegal immigration. I am having trouble figuring out what the independent, dependent, and control (if any) variables could be. I need to have at least one of each. I am thinking one variable is the economy from other countries. Not sure.

When conducting research on the economic impact of illegal immigration, it is important to define and identify the independent, dependent, and control variables to ensure a clear and valid analysis. Let's discuss the possible variables in your study:

1. Independent Variable: This is the variable that you manipulate or analyze to observe its effect on the other variables. In your case, the independent variable could be the presence or extent of illegal immigration. You can measure it based on factors such as the number of undocumented immigrants or the overall social and economic impact they have on a particular country.

2. Dependent Variable: This is the variable that represents the response or outcome you want to measure or analyze. It is typically influenced or affected by the independent variable. In your research, the dependent variable could be the economic impact of illegal immigration. This can encompass various aspects of the economy, such as GDP, employment rates, wages, fiscal burden, income inequality, or public expenditure.

3. Control Variables: These are the variables that you keep constant or control for in your study to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables more accurately. They help to eliminate the influence of other factors that may affect the dependent variable. Control variables in this case could include factors like the overall economic conditions of the country, population growth, legal immigration, labor market conditions, government policies, or demographic variables.

Additionally, you mentioned that the economy from other countries may be a variable. While it is a relevant aspect to consider, it might not fit strictly within the independent, dependent, or control variable categories. Instead, it could be a contextual factor that influences the research topic or supports the background of your study.

Remember, the selection of variables may vary depending on the specific focus of your research and the available data. It's important to thoroughly analyze and justify your choices to ensure the accuracy and validity of your research paper.