Every media researcher should attempt to eliminate the influence of
(A) Continuous variables
(B) Independent variables
(C) Control variables
(D) Dependent variables
Correct Ans: (C)
Explanation:
Media researchers must eliminate the influence of control variables to ensure their studies produce unbiased results. Since control variables can affect the relationship between independent and dependent variables, researchers manage them carefully to prevent distortion.
For example, when studying the impact of social media on political opinions, researchers focus on independent variables like social media usage and dependent variables like political perception changes. However, age, education, and prior political beliefs may also influence the results. To eliminate bias, researchers identify these control variables and keep them constant or adjust for them during analysis.
Now, let’s examine the incorrect options. Continuous variables represent measurable data like time and frequency, but researchers do not aim to eliminate them. Independent variables cause changes in dependent variables, so removing them would invalidate the research. Dependent variables represent the outcome being studied, so eliminating them would make the research meaningless. Clearly, none of these options match the role of control variables.
In conclusion, media researchers eliminate control variables to prevent external influences from affecting their findings. Since accurate research depends on isolating the effects of independent variables, managing control variables ensures reliability. This process strengthens the validity of communication studies and enhances their contribution to media research.
