What is considered an extraneous variable in a research study?

An extraneous variable is defined as a variable other than the independent variable that may influence the outcome of a study. It can introduce unwanted variability and potentially confound the results if not properly managed. In research, extraneous variables can come from various sources, such as participant characteristics, environmental factors, or measurement inconsistencies. By identifying and controlling for these variables, researchers aim to isolate the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, improving the internal validity of the study.

Understanding the role of extraneous variables is crucial because they can skew results and lead to incorrect conclusions if overlooked. Proper study design typically involves controlling or accounting for these variables to ensure that the findings genuinely reflect the relationship being investigated. This is essential for drawing reliable and valid inferences from research data.