Question

Extraneous variables may have an influence on the dependent variable. In what ways do researchers attempt to control extraneous variables? Support your answer with current literature.

Answer 1

Extraneous variable are one which are not directly involved in the research study or in an experiment.It must influence one variable over the other.It is also known as undesirable variable. They can also be termed as Independent variable. This independent variable may influence the effect or result of the dependent variable.

There are mainly four types if extraneous variables namely

• Situation extraneous
• Investigator extraneous
• Participant extraneous
• Demand characteristics

For example

If asthma is a result of air pollution. Here pollution in the air is considered to be independent varia (extraneous variable ) and the disease condition Asthma is a dependent variable .

Here extraneous variable can be controlled by controlling air pollution, low smoke vehicle ,walk for near distance places are dome of the attempts which can be done by the researchers to controls extraneous variable, using face mask or respirator, planting trees,daily simple lung exercises,regular screening for lung disease or some of the other attempts which can be done.