What are extraneous variables?

Extraneous variables refer to those variables, aside from the independent variable, that can potentially affect the dependent variable in a study. These are not the primary focus of the research but can introduce unintended variability and confound the results. If extraneous variables are not controlled, they can lead to misleading conclusions about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, making it difficult to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Understanding extraneous variables is crucial in research design because researchers strive to control or account for these factors to ensure that the results are truly reflective of the manipulation of the independent variable. By identifying and managing extraneous variables, researchers can enhance the internal validity of their experiments, leading to more reliable and valid outcomes. This is important for accurately interpreting the impact of the independent variable on the dependent variable, ultimately contributing to the quality of research findings.