What is an extraneous variable?

What is an extraneous variable?

• A. A variable apart from the IV which can affect the DV if not controlled. However they can be maintained or eliminated.
• B. A variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on the DV.
• C. The baseline measure used in a repeated measures design.
• D. The participants' personal characteristics only.

Answer: (A)

Extraneous variables are anything other than the deliberate manipulation (the independent variable) that could influence the outcome (the dependent variable) if they’re not controlled. The statement fits this because it points to a variable outside the IV that can affect the DV, and notes they can be kept constant or eliminated to prevent confounding. In practice, researchers control extraneous variables through standardization, randomization, counterbalancing, or statistical methods so they don’t distort the effect of the IV. This isn’t describing the manipulated variable itself, nor a baseline measure, nor solely participants’ personal characteristics.

Extraneous variables are anything other than the deliberate manipulation (the independent variable) that could influence the outcome (the dependent variable) if they’re not controlled. The statement fits this because it points to a variable outside the IV that can affect the DV, and notes they can be kept constant or eliminated to prevent confounding. In practice, researchers control extraneous variables through standardization, randomization, counterbalancing, or statistical methods so they don’t distort the effect of the IV. This isn’t describing the manipulated variable itself, nor a baseline measure, nor solely participants’ personal characteristics.