It is important for the researcher to identify extraneous ...

[natalie2426]

It is important for the researcher to identify extraneous variables so that
 
  a. All of the extraneous variables can be manipulated by the researcher.
  b. The findings can be explained as clearly and truthfully as possible.
  c. The research results are not critiqued unfairly.
  d. The extraneous variables have no influence on the dependent variable.

Question 2

In the following hypothesis, what is the independent variable?
 
  Patients with recurrent bowel obstruction due to Crohn's disease who are assigned to be treated in an emergency room complain less frequently of pain and require less pain medication than those patients admitted, in the usual fashion, and treated on a medical floor.
  a. Bowel obstruction due to Crohn's disease
  b. Place treated
  c. Number of complaints of pain
  d. Number of doses of pain medication

[aliotak]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Extraneous variables exist in all studies and can affect the measurement of study variables and the relationships among them. Extraneous variables are of primary concern in quantitative studies, because they can obscure one's understanding of the relational or causal dynamics within the studies. Extraneous variables are classified as (1) recognized or unrecognized and (2) controlled or uncontrolled. The extraneous variables that are not recognized until the study is in process or are recognized before the study is initiated but cannot be controlled are referred to as confounding variables. Sometimes these variables can be measured during the study and controlled statistically during analysis. In other cases, it is not possible to measure a confounding variable, and the variable thus hinders the interpretation of findings. Such extraneous variables must be identified as limitations or areas of study weakness in the discussion section of a research report.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable. The independent variable is also called an intervention, treatment, or experimental variable. In this example, place treated (emergency room versus medical floor) is the independent variable.

[natalie2426]

TYSM

[mcarey591]

Excellent