Control Variable

A control variable is a variable that is held constant in order to assess or clarify the relationship between two other variables.

Control variables are needed to “control” for factors that would otherwise influence the measurement of marketing.These are the factors that impact your business based on the external environment.

These variables could include competitive activity, category trends, macroeconomic factors, seasonality and distribution, among others.

Control variable should not be confused with controlled variable, which is an alternative term for independent variable.

Related resources

Keen's "2024 Performance Insights & Strategic Investment Guide," open to Chapter Seven, "Media Channel Performance," discusses where marketers should reallocate their budgets for improved ROI.
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