Extraneous Variables In Research

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NRSv433 WEEK 4 DQ4-1 Extraneous variables may have an influence on the dependent variable. In what ways do researchers attempt to control extraneous variables? Support your answer with current literature. Extraneous Variables are undesirable variables that influence the relationship between the variables that an experimenter is examining. They exist in all studies and can affect the measurement of study variables and the relationships among these variables. Because of this, they are of primary concern in quantitative studies because they can interfere with obtaining a clear understanding of the relational or causal dynamics within these studies (Burns & Grove, 2011). Another way to think of it is they are variables that could possibly…show more content…
One way to do this is by narrowly defining the sampling criteria to make the sample as homogeneous (or similar) as possible to control for extraneous variables. Other methods include randomization or random assignment of subjects to groups; matching subjects on extraneous variables and then assigning them randomly to groups; application of statistical techniques of analysis of covariance; and balancing means and standard deviations of groups (Mcleod, 2008). The amount of control that the researcher has over the variables being studied varies, from very little in exploratory studies to a great deal in experimental design, but the limitations on control must be addressed in any research proposal (Silverstein,…show more content…
A list of potential respondents was developed including a number of physicians, RN’s, allied health disciplines, and managers. The researchers formatted a questionnaire that included nominal (yes/no) and ordinal responses (strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, neutral, somewhat agree or strongly agree). Questions explored whether family members should be given the option to be present, their comfort in having family members present, whether family members should be permitted to be present or asked to leave during bedside rounds and whether their presence would prolong rounds, constrain the information provided and reduce opportunities for education (Santiago, et al. 2014). The article provided a clear understanding of how and where the data was collected, and the tool used to obtain the data used for analysis. There was also a detailed description of the sequence of data collection events for a participant, as well as the time period for data collection. Despite this, it did not clearly identify or define the independent and dependent
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