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Define the term 'extraneous variable' in the context of experimental research. In your definition, explain the primary challenge that fluctuating extraneous variables present to researchers who are trying to evaluate the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable.
Question: Define the term 'extraneous variable' in the context of experimental research. In your definition, explain the primary challenge that fluctuating extraneous variables present to researchers who are trying to evaluate the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable.
Sample answer: An extraneous variable is any factor that varies in a study other than the specific independent and dependent variables being investigated. The primary challenge these variables present is that they are likely to influence the dependent variable. When these outside factors fluctuate, they introduce competing influences that make it difficult for researchers to separate the true effect of the independent variable from the effects of the extraneous variables.
Key points:
- Definition: any factor that varies in a study other than the independent and dependent variables.
- Influence: many extraneous variables are likely to affect the dependent variable.
- Competing influences: fluctuating extraneous variables introduce competing explanations or noise.
- Isolation problem: their presence makes it difficult to separate the true effect of the independent variable from the extraneous variables.
Rubric: The response must define an extraneous variable as a variable other than the independent and dependent variables that varies within the study. It must also recall that these variables can influence the dependent variable and introduce competing influences, making it difficult to isolate the true effect of the independent variable.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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Internal Validity
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