control variable

a variable that is considered to have an effect on the response measure in a study but that itself is not of particular interest to the researcher. To remove its effects a control variable may be held at a constant level during the study or managed by statistical means (e.g., a partial correlation). Also called controlled variable.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

granular cortex

the portion of the cerebral cortex that contains granule cells, which are located in layers II and IV of the cortex (see cortical layers). The term refers particularly to primary sensory cortex, in which layer IV (the major input area) is very thick. Compare agranular cortex.