Independent dependent and extraneous variables – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C and E are all correct descriptions of different roles that variables can play in research. The independent variable is manipulated, the dependent variable is the measured outcome, mediators explain the mechanism linking the two and extraneous variables can disturb this relationship if not managed. Statement D is false because control variables are not varied; they are held constant to minimise their influence. Thus the correct combination must include A, B, C and E while excluding D.

Option A:
Option A includes A, B and C but omits E, thereby ignoring the important influence of extraneous variables on internal validity. Without recognising the potential confounding effect of extraneous variables, the description of variable types remains incomplete.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it brings together all four accurate statements about independent, dependent, mediating and extraneous variables. It excludes D, which incorrectly suggests that control variables are deliberately varied rather than controlled.

Option C:
Option C wrongly includes D, the false statement about control variables, and omits B, which correctly defines the dependent variable. This combination therefore both adds an incorrect assertion and drops a key correct one.

Option D:
Option D contains D alongside B and E. Since D misrepresents control variables, this option becomes invalid even though it includes two true statements.

Option E offers only C and E, leaving out the basic definitions of independent and dependent variables provided in A and B. Because it fails to include all the true statements, it cannot be the correct answer.