7.1.2.3 Extraneous and Confounding Variables

• What should researchers do with extraneous variables?

  Control them to measure the independent variable
• How can extraneous variables affect an experiment's results?

  They can confuse the results of the experiment
• Why do extraneous variables need to be controlled?

  To keep the experiment fair
• How do extraneous variables affect the validity of an experiment?

  They can skew results unrelated to the independent variable
• What is a confounding variable?

  A factor affecting both independent and dependent variables
• What is the purpose of controlling extraneous variables in an experiment?

  To ensure accurate results from the independent variable
• How does a confounding variable differ from an extraneous variable?

  Confounding variables mix with the independent variable
• What extraneous variable might affect mood in music studies?

  • Time of day can influence participants' moods
• In a study on exercise and weight loss, what is a confounding variable?

  Diet
• Why is a confounding variable problematic in an experiment?

  It makes it hard to identify responsible factors
• In a study on exercise and weight loss, what is an extraneous variable?

  • Diet impacts weight loss outcomes
• Why can confounding variables make it difficult to isolate the independent variable's effect?

  They blur the relationship between variables
• What is the impact of confounding variables in research studies?


  • They obscure the true effect of the independent variable
  • They can lead to misleading conclusions
  • They complicate the analysis of results
• What is the main difference between extraneous and confounding variables?

  They differ in their effect on the dependent variable
• What are extraneous variables?

  Variables affecting the dependent variable
• Why are extraneous variables important in an experiment?

  They can influence the dependent variable
• What happens if you don't control an extraneous variable?

  It may alter the results of the experiment
• What is the relationship of extraneous variables to independent variables?

  They are not related to independent variables
• What is the relationship of confounding variables to independent variables?

  They overlap with independent variables
• How do confounding variables affect the dependent variable?

  They correlate with both independent and dependent variables
• How do extraneous and confounding variables differ in their influence on experiments?

  Extraneous variables have independent effects, confounding variables mix with independent variables
• How do confounding variables affect research?

  They link independent and dependent variables
• Why is it difficult to determine the effect of the independent variable when confounding variables are present?

  Changes may be due to confounders, not the independent variable
• How do biased results affect research conclusions?

  They make conclusions inaccurate and misleading
• What happens if confounding variables are not controlled in research?

  Results become biased
• What is the consequence of failing to control confounding variables?

  It leads to biased results
• What are confounding variables?

  Variables that confuse research results
• Why might older participants show better results with a new drug?

  They may have more chronic pain naturally
• In a study about a new drug's effectiveness, what could be a potential confounding variable?

  Participant age
• What does Standardization ensure?

  Same procedures and materials for all
• What is the purpose of Counterbalancing?

  Order effects balanced between conditions
• What is the second key control method for extraneous variables?

  Standardization
• What is the third key control method for extraneous variables?

  Counterbalancing
• What are extraneous variables?

  Factors other than the independent variable
• How do these control methods ensure fairness in experiments?

  • Minimize influence of uncontrolled variables
  • Enhance reliability of results
  • Improve validity of conclusions
• How do extraneous variables affect the dependent variable?

  They have an independent effect on it
• What does it mean for results to be misleading?

  They do not accurately reflect reality
• What is the role of extraneous variables in an experiment?

  • They are factors other than the independent variable
  • They can influence the dependent variable
  • They must be controlled to ensure accurate results
• What does Random Allocation involve?

  Participants randomly assigned to conditions
• What is the first key control method for extraneous variables?

  Random Allocation