confounding variable
Say it: kun-FOUND-ing VAIR-ee-uh-bul /kənˌfaʊndɪŋ ˈvɛərɪəb(ə)l/ · noun
What “confounding variable” means
A third factor affecting both things you're comparing.
More precisely: A hidden factor that influences both things being studied, creating a misleading link between them.
Example: “Hot weather is the confounding variable behind ice cream sales and drownings rising together.”
When to use it
In research or careful reasoning, for another influence that can make two things appear directly linked when they aren't.
Similar words
confounder, hidden variable, third factor
Quick check
Children with bigger shoes read better, but older children both have bigger feet and more reading experience. Age is…
a confounding variable or a control variable?
Show the answer
a confounding variable
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