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

February 11th 2025

cognitive complexity

the state or quality of a thought process that involves numerous constructs, with many interrelationships among them. Such processing is often experienced as difficult or effortful. See also conceptual complexity.