In an experimental context, which of the following would be considered an extraneous variable?

In an experimental context, which of the following would be considered an extraneous variable?

• A. Type of sweetener
• B. Proper function of the oven
• C. Sweetness of final product
• D. Mixing method

Answer: (B)

Anything that can affect the outcome besides the factor you’re testing is an extraneous variable. If the oven isn’t functioning properly, its temperature or heat distribution could change the final product independently of which sweetener you use or how you mix, adding variation that isn’t due to the intended manipulation. That kind of uncontrolled factor can confound the results. The type of sweetener could be the variable you’re deliberately testing, or a controlled variable depending on the design. The sweetness of the final product is the outcome you’re measuring, not an extraneous influence. The mixing method is a procedural aspect you’d standardize or vary as part of the study. So the oven’s proper functioning stands out as the extraneous variable that needs control.

Anything that can affect the outcome besides the factor you’re testing is an extraneous variable. If the oven isn’t functioning properly, its temperature or heat distribution could change the final product independently of which sweetener you use or how you mix, adding variation that isn’t due to the intended manipulation. That kind of uncontrolled factor can confound the results.

The type of sweetener could be the variable you’re deliberately testing, or a controlled variable depending on the design. The sweetness of the final product is the outcome you’re measuring, not an extraneous influence. The mixing method is a procedural aspect you’d standardize or vary as part of the study. So the oven’s proper functioning stands out as the extraneous variable that needs control.