Attributes not visible in custom method

Hi,

I have created a WD component wherein i have defined few attributes (in attribute tab). When i'm accessing these variables in a custom method in same view these are not visible there. When im including same variables in interface of this method it is not allowing me change values of these variables. However i'm not seeing anyway in interface to change these importing params to 'By reference' in fact i'm not sure if this would be solution of my problem. Please let me know if any body has any amswer.

Rgds

Sudhanshu