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Confounding Variables in Research
Due to the presence of confounding variables in research, we should never assume that a correlation between two variables implies causation.
When an extraneous variable has not been properly controlled and interferes with the dependent variable (i.e., results), it is called a confounding variable.
In order to accurately estimate the effect of the IV on the DV, the researcher must reduce the effects of C.
Even if the cause-and-effect relationship does exist, the confounding variable still might overestimate or underestimate the impact of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
Reducing Confounding Variables
It is important to identify all possible confounding variables and consider their impact of them on your research design in order to ensure the internal validity of your results.
Here are some techniques to reduce the effects of these confounding variables:
Example
Suppose we wanted to measure the effects of caloric intake (IV) on weight (DV). We would have to try to ensure that confounding variables did not affect the results. These variables could include the following:
Frequently asked questions
What is a confounding variable in psychologyA confounding variable in psychology is an extraneous factor that interferes with the relationship between an experiment’sindependent and dependent variables. It’s not the variable of interest but can influence the outcome, leading to inaccurate conclusions about the relationship being studied.For instance, if studying the impact of studying time on test scores, a confounding variable might be a student’s inherent aptitude or previous knowledge.2. What is the difference between an extraneous variable and a confounding variable?A confounding variable is a type ofextraneous variable. Confounding variables affect both the independent and dependent variables. They influence the dependent variable directly and either correlate with or causally affect the independent variable.An extraneous variable is any variable that you are not investigating that can influence the dependent variable.3. What is Confounding Bias?Confounding bias is a bias that is the result of having confounding variables in your study design. If the observed association overestimates the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, this is known as a positive confounding bias.If the observed association underestimates the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, this is known as a negative confounding bias.
What is a confounding variable in psychologyA confounding variable in psychology is an extraneous factor that interferes with the relationship between an experiment’sindependent and dependent variables. It’s not the variable of interest but can influence the outcome, leading to inaccurate conclusions about the relationship being studied.For instance, if studying the impact of studying time on test scores, a confounding variable might be a student’s inherent aptitude or previous knowledge.
1. What is a confounding variable in psychology
A confounding variable in psychology is an extraneous factor that interferes with the relationship between an experiment’sindependent and dependent variables. It’s not the variable of interest but can influence the outcome, leading to inaccurate conclusions about the relationship being studied.For instance, if studying the impact of studying time on test scores, a confounding variable might be a student’s inherent aptitude or previous knowledge.
A confounding variable in psychology is an extraneous factor that interferes with the relationship between an experiment’sindependent and dependent variables. It’s not the variable of interest but can influence the outcome, leading to inaccurate conclusions about the relationship being studied.
For instance, if studying the impact of studying time on test scores, a confounding variable might be a student’s inherent aptitude or previous knowledge.
- What is the difference between an extraneous variable and a confounding variable?A confounding variable is a type ofextraneous variable. Confounding variables affect both the independent and dependent variables. They influence the dependent variable directly and either correlate with or causally affect the independent variable.An extraneous variable is any variable that you are not investigating that can influence the dependent variable.
2. What is the difference between an extraneous variable and a confounding variable?
A confounding variable is a type ofextraneous variable. Confounding variables affect both the independent and dependent variables. They influence the dependent variable directly and either correlate with or causally affect the independent variable.An extraneous variable is any variable that you are not investigating that can influence the dependent variable.
A confounding variable is a type ofextraneous variable. Confounding variables affect both the independent and dependent variables. They influence the dependent variable directly and either correlate with or causally affect the independent variable.
An extraneous variable is any variable that you are not investigating that can influence the dependent variable.
- What is Confounding Bias?Confounding bias is a bias that is the result of having confounding variables in your study design. If the observed association overestimates the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, this is known as a positive confounding bias.If the observed association underestimates the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, this is known as a negative confounding bias.
3. What is Confounding Bias?
Confounding bias is a bias that is the result of having confounding variables in your study design. If the observed association overestimates the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, this is known as a positive confounding bias.If the observed association underestimates the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, this is known as a negative confounding bias.
Confounding bias is a bias that is the result of having confounding variables in your study design. If the observed association overestimates the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, this is known as a positive confounding bias.
If the observed association underestimates the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, this is known as a negative confounding bias.
References
Glen, Stephanie. Confounding Variable: Simple Definition and Example. Retrieved from StatisticsHowTo.com: Elementary Statistics for the rest of us! https://www.statisticshowto.com/experimental-design/confounding-variable/
Thomas, L. (2021). Understanding confounding variables. Scribbr. Retrieved from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/confounding-variables/
University of Michigan. (n.d.). Confounding Variables. ICPSR. Retrieved fromhttps://www.icpsr.umich.edu/web/pages/instructors/setups2012/exercises/notes/confounding-variable.html
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Julia Simkus
BA (Hons) Psychology, Princeton University
Julia Simkus is a graduate of Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is currently studying for a Master’s Degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness in September 2023. Julia’s research has been published in peer reviewed journals.
