what are extraneous variables
William Harris
Updated on July 30, 2026
Extraneous Variable
When we conduct experiments there are other variables that can affect our results, if we do not control them. Anything that is not the independent variable that has the potential to affect the results is called an extraneous variable.
What is extraneous variable and how can it be controlled?
An extraneous variable is eliminated, for example, if background noise that might reduce the audibility of speech is removed. Unknown extraneous variables can be controlled by randomization. Randomization ensures that the expected values of the extraneous variables are identical under different conditions.
What is a extraneous variable quizlet?
What is an extraneous variable? any variable other than the IV that could have an influence on the DV. For example: a test on alcohol & driving performance.
What is extraneous variable and example?
An extraneous variable is any variable you’re not interested in studying that could also have some effect on the dependent variable. For example, we might want to know how the number of hours that a basketball player trains per week affects their average points per game.
What is the word extraneous mean?
Definition of extraneous
1 : existing on or coming from the outside extraneous light. 2a : not forming an essential or vital part extraneous ornamentation. b : having no relevance an extraneous digression.
Is age an extraneous variable?
Extraneous variables are often classified into three main types: Subject variables, which are the characteristics of the individuals being studied that might affect their actions. These variables include age, gender, health status, mood, background, etc.
How do you identify independent dependent and extraneous variables?
The dependent varible is defined as the thing which is being measured in an experiment, whilst the independent variable is the thing that is being manipulated or changed. Extraneous variables are undesirable variables that influence the relationship between the variables that the experimenter is observing.
What are extraneous and confounding variables?
An extraneous variable is any variable that you’re not investigating that can potentially affect the dependent variable of your research study. A confounding variable is a type of extraneous variable that not only affects the dependent variable, but is also related to the independent variable.
What is the difference between extraneous and intervening variables?
extraneous variable are any variable which u r not intentionally studying in your experiment or test. intervening variable is a hypothetical variable used to explain casual links between other variables.
What is meant by control of extraneous variables quizlet?
completely removes extraneous physical variables from experiment. elimination. controls extraneous variables by keeping all aspects of the treatment conditions identical. constancy of conditions.
What are the 5 types of variables?
These types are briefly outlined in this section.
Categorical variables. A categorical variable (also called qualitative variable) refers to a characteristic that can’t be quantifiable. Nominal variables. Ordinal variables. Numeric variables. Continuous variables. Discrete variables.
What is referred to as a controlled variable?
A control variable is anything that is held constant or limited in a research study. It’s a variable that is not of interest to the study’s aims, but is controlled because it could influence the outcomes.