Confounding Variables
Confounding Variables A Confounder is a variable whose presence affects the variables being studied so that the results do not reflect the actual relationship. There are various ways to exclude or control confounding variables including Randomization , Restriction , and Matching . A confounding variable is an “extra” variable that you didn’t account for. They can ruin an experiment and give you useless results. They can suggest there is a correlation when in fact there isn’t. They can even introduce bias . That’s why it’s important to know what one is, and how to avoid getting them into your experiment in the first place. The independent variable typically has an effect on your dependent variable. For example, if you are researching whether lack of exercise leads to weight gain, then lack of exercise is your independent variable and weight gain is your dependent variable. Confounding variable...