control variables

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "control variables" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in research and scientific contexts to refer to variables that are kept constant to accurately assess the relationship between other variables. Example: "In our experiment, we made sure to control variables such as temperature and humidity to ensure reliable results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Control Variables.

Frontiers of Business Research in China

Control variables as above.

IZA Journal of Migration

(3) Measurement of control variables.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

X contains the control variables.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Six control variables were not significant statistically.

Asian Journal of Sustainability and Social Responsibility

These control variables performed mostly as expected.

Crime Science

We next discuss the control variables.

IZA Journal of Migration

All other control variables were not significant.

Business Research

The baseline model includes control variables only.

Frontiers of Business Research in China

Other control variables also show significant effects.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

The control variables have the expected sign.

Health Economics Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting research, clearly define your "control variables" and explain why they were chosen to be held constant. This ensures transparency and reproducibility of your findings.

Common error

Avoid overlooking potential confounding variables that could influence your results. Failing to identify and control for these can lead to spurious conclusions. Consider all relevant factors and include them as "control variables" in your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "control variables" primarily functions as a noun phrase within research contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to refer to elements that are kept constant to assess the relationship between other variables. For example, "We controlled for employee demographics, including gender, age, education and job level."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

90%

Formal & Business

5%

News & Media

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "control variables" is widely used within academic and scientific fields to denote factors held constant during research. As confirmed by Ludwig, its main function is to ensure the validity and reliability of study results by isolating the effects of other variables. To effectively utilize this phrase, it's essential to clearly define and justify the selection of "control variables" in your research. The frequency of its appearance across various journals indicates its importance in academic writing, and mastering its use can greatly improve the clarity and rigor of your work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

controller variables

Refers to variables that are being manipulated or adjusted to achieve a desired outcome.

command variables

Suggests variables that are directly influenced or dictated.

governance variables

Focuses on the elements impacting organizational management and oversight instead of experimental design.

master variables

Emphasizes variables that have primary influence or control over other variables.

monitoring variables

Emphasizes observation and tracking rather than holding factors constant.

monitor variables

Implies continuous observation of variables without necessarily controlling them.

supervision variables

Highlights variables that are being overseen or managed.

check variables

Highlights the act of verifying and validating data points instead of keeping factors constant.

screening variables

Indicates variables used to filter or select data.

limitation variables

Refers to variables that impose constraints or restrictions.

FAQs

How are "control variables" used in research?

"Control variables" are factors held constant in an experiment or analysis to assess the true relationship between independent and dependent variables. This helps to eliminate confounding influences and isolate the effects of the variables of interest.

Why is it important to include "control variables" in a study?

Including "control variables" strengthens the validity of research findings by reducing the risk of spurious relationships. Without them, it's difficult to determine whether the observed effects are truly caused by the independent variable or by other uncontrolled factors.

What are some examples of common "control variables"?

Common examples of "control variables" include demographic factors like age and gender, socioeconomic status, pre-existing conditions, or environmental conditions. The specific "control variables" will vary depending on the research question and study design.

What's the difference between "control variables" and independent variables?

Independent variables are manipulated or changed by the researcher, while "control variables" are kept constant. The independent variable is hypothesized to influence the dependent variable, while "control variables" are used to prevent extraneous factors from affecting the outcome. You can consider "independent variable" as the cause and "control variables" as the elements you want to isolate from having an impact on the cause.