NRS 445 Compare independent variables, dependent variables, and extraneous variables
In a research study, the things being measured are called dependent variables. The independent variable is what the dependent variable depends on. (Falkner et al., 2022 p. 32)
Researchers can control or alter the variables in an experiment, which are known as independent variables. These modifications are purposefully made to see if they affect the research’s dependent variable.
Extraneous variables are variables separate from the independent variable that can affect the dependent variable, thus influencing the experiment’s outcomes. These variables are unknown at the research’s beginning (Falkner et al., 2022, p. 32).
Researchers can attempt to control extraneous variables by randomly assigning participants. By assigning participants at random, researchers can minimize the impact of extraneous variables on the dependent variable by ensuring that they affect all groups equally.
Another way researchers can attempt to control extraneous variables is by controlling the conditions or environment of the research. Extraneous variables can be controlled through routine processes, including consistent techniques for data collection and environmental control. Researchers need to make sure that all participants encounter the same experimental conditions.
A research article I found to provide an example of how these variables can be applied is titled Nutrient Intake During Pregnancy and Post Partum. Nutrient intake is the independent variable in this study. It can affect the dependent variable, the fetus’s and breastfeeding mother’s health and nutrition status. Of course, extraneous variables, such as genetics or environmental factors, can influence the outcomes of this research.
References:
Aparicio, E., Jardí, C., Bedmar, C., Pallejà, M., Basora, J., Arija, V., & The Eclipses Study Group (2020). Nutrient Intake during Pregnancy and Post-Partum: ECLIPSES Study. Nutrients, 12(5), 1325. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051325
Falkner, A., Green, S. Z., Helbig, J., Johnson, J., McNiff, P., Petrick, M., & Schmidt, M. (2022). Nursing research: Understanding methods for best practice (2nd ed., p. 32). Grand Canyon University.
