How can I use a variable in simple jQuery Transitions?

How can I use a variable in simple jQuery Transitions?

I am looping through radio buttons to see which is checked, and trying to assign a variable to use in the jQuery transition function:

  1.          function animate()
  2.          {             
  3.             var action = "";
  4.             for (i = 0; i < 9; i++)
  5.             {
  6.               if (form1.jQ[i].checked) action = form1.jQ[i].value;
  7.             }
  8.             $( "div" ).action();
  9.          }   

However, jQuery will not accept $( "div" ).action(); It will only accept literals such as
$( "div" ).show(); or  $( "div" ).hide();  Is there a way I can use a variable here?

Also, is there a preferred way to call the transition functions?

Obvious jQuery newbie, thank you!
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