nuisance variable
nounA nuisance variable is something extra that can mess up a test and make the results confusing.
The scientists made sure the room temperature was the same for everyone so it wouldn't be a nuisance variable.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In statistics, an unwanted source of variation that adds noise to data without being the focus of study.
Random noise from old equipment acted as a nuisance variable in the measurements.
3. In psychology experiments, any factor other than the independent variable that could affect participants' behavior.
The loud hallway outside the lab was a nuisance variable that distracted the participants.
4. In survey research, a characteristic like mood or time of day that can skew responses if not controlled.
Researchers recorded the time of day as a possible nuisance variable in the survey.