Reference no: EM133483857

Variables are considered something that varies. According to Kaliyaden and Kulkarni (2019), a variable is an entity whose value varies, it is an essential component of any statistical data. Independent variables are variables that can be changed or controlled in research to test the effects on the dependent variable. According to Andrade (2021), independent variables influence the value of other variables. Independent variables are known for standing alone and are not changed by other variables being used for measuring. According to Kaliyaden and Kulkarni (2019), independent variables are also called explanatory variables, which are something that is not affected by the experiment itself but can be manipulated to affect the dependent variable.

Dependent variables can be tested and measured in scientific research or experiment. According to Andrade (2021), dependent variables are influenced in value by other variables. These variables are affected by changes occurring to the independent variable. The outcome of an experiment is measured to determine how changes in the value of a dependent variable are caused by changes in the value of other variables (Schmidt, 2022).

Extraneous variables are confounding the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. According to Cobzaru et al. (2022), extraneous variables are theoretically inconsequential from a biased perspective. It is any variable other than the independent variable that can have an influence on the dependent variable.

Researchers can control the extraneous variable throughout their study. To control an extraneous variable, researchers must first determine which factors are most likely to affect the dependent variable. According to Pourhoseingholi et al. (2012), in randomization the random assignment of study subjects to exposure categories by breaking any links between exposure and confounders. This reduces the potential for confounding by generating groups that are fair. Restriction can also be used by researchers to control the extraneous variable. According to Pourhoseingholi et al. (2012), restriction eliminates variation in the confounder, this means that if the researcher were to only select participants of the same age or same sex then the study would eliminate confounding by sex or age group.