GCSE Geography · key term

Control variable

Definition

A condition kept consistent between observations so that differences in results are less likely to arise from that condition.

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Specification 1.2 · Component 1, Component 2, Component 3

Other conditions, such as count duration, are control variables kept consistent. The control group does not make the streets identical: differences in transport access or shop types could still influence pedestrian flow. A good plan therefore identifies remaining differences and avoids assuming that regeneration alone caused any contrast.
Revise: Planning Fieldwork Data Collection
A factor other than the one being investigated that is kept constant or made comparable because it could affect the results.
Revise: Fieldwork Data Collection Design

1
A control group is a comparison group; a control variable is a condition kept consistent to make that comparison fair.
2
Distinguish a control group from control variables: the group provides a comparison without the treatment, while control variables are other conditions kept comparable.

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