What is meant by “controlling” for a third variable in a multivariate analysis?

What will be an ideal response?


Political scientists use multivariate techniques to control for the effects of a third variable. This means that the impact of other variables is removed or taken into account when measuring the strength and direction of the relationship between an independent and a dependent variable. Generally, the impact of a third variable may be controlled either experimentally or statistically. Experimental control is introduced by randomly assigning the subjects in a study to experimental and control groups to control for other factors and then limiting exposure to the experimental stimulus to just the experimental group. Statistical control, the procedure used more frequently by political scientists, involves measuring each observation’s values on the control variables and using these measures to make comparisons between observations.

Political Science

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Studies have shown that political action committees (PACs) contribute disproportionately to incumbent candidates. Why do PACs pursue this strategy in their campaign contributions?

What will be an ideal response?

Political Science

Describe the four types of U.S. Supreme Court opinions.

What will be an ideal response?

Political Science

What does "personality over substance" mean as it pertains to political candidates? Is there a case to be made that the media should cover candidates' characters and personalities?

Answer:

Political Science

If a candidate felt confident of being able to raise enough money for a campaign, he or she might choose not to accept __________ money from the Federal Elections Commission in order to maintain freedom to spend as much as desired

Fill in the blank with the right word.

Political Science