In the context of probability and statistics, what does it mean for a sociologist to control for a variable when analyzing data?

• A. It means the sociologist holds the variable constant to isolate the effect of other variables on the outcome.
• B. It means the sociologist ignores the variable's influence on the outcome.
• C. It means the sociologist gives the variable more weight in the analysis.
• D. It means the sociologist removes the variable entirely from the analysis.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in statistics, 'controlling for a variable' means accounting for the influence of that variable so that its effect does not confound the relationship between other variables and the outcome.
2. Recognize that controlling for a variable involves holding it constant or adjusting for it, which allows the researcher to isolate the effect of other variables on the outcome.
3. Note that controlling does not mean ignoring the variable, giving it more weight, or removing it entirely; rather, it means including it in the analysis in a way that its influence is accounted for.
4. In practical terms, controlling for a variable can be done through methods such as stratification, including the variable as a covariate in regression models, or using matching techniques.
5. Therefore, when a sociologist controls for a variable, they are effectively holding that variable constant to better understand the relationship between other variables and the outcome.