Types of Variables
Independent variables are manipulated to explore effects. Dependent variables change due to independent variable manipulation. Extraneous variables are unintended factors that can affect outcomes, causing biases like attrition, sampling, and undercoverage bias (Bhandari, 2021; Bhandari, 2023).
Controlling Extraneous Variables
Standardized procedures ensure fair treatment and reliable data collection. Counterbalancing alternates the order participants perform in conditions. Cero et al. (2021) emphasize appropriate statistical control of confounding variables for effective causal inferences in suicide research.
References
- Bhandari, P. (2021). Extraneous variables. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/extraneous-variables/
- Bhandari, P. (2023). Independent vs. dependent variables. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/independent-and-dependent-variables/
- Cero, I., et al. (2021). Causal inference in suicide research. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 51(1), 148-161. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sltb.12681
Related: See our reliability and validity or mixed methods research.