Which variable refers to environmental changes that can affect results but are not controlled?

Which variable refers to environmental changes that can affect results but are not controlled?

• A. Independent variable
• B. Dependent variable
• C. Control variable
• D. Unexpected variable

Answer: (D)

Unplanned environmental factors that can influence results but aren’t controlled are extraneous, or confounding, variables. They arise by chance and can shift outcomes, making it hard to tell whether effects come from the factor you’re testing or from these uncontrolled changes. This differs from the independent variable (the thing you deliberately change), the dependent variable (what you measure), and control variables (things you keep constant to reduce noise). For example, a change in room temperature during an animal study could alter metabolism independent of the treatment. The term that fits the question is the unexpected variable.

Unplanned environmental factors that can influence results but aren’t controlled are extraneous, or confounding, variables. They arise by chance and can shift outcomes, making it hard to tell whether effects come from the factor you’re testing or from these uncontrolled changes. This differs from the independent variable (the thing you deliberately change), the dependent variable (what you measure), and control variables (things you keep constant to reduce noise). For example, a change in room temperature during an animal study could alter metabolism independent of the treatment. The term that fits the question is the unexpected variable.