What are confounding variables?

Confounding variables are unmeasured variables that may influence the results of a study, potentially leading to incorrect conclusions about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. They act as extraneous influences that can obscure the true effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable, making it difficult to determine if any observed changes are due to the manipulated variable or the confounding factor.

For instance, if a study is investigating the impact of a new teaching method on student performance but fails to control for prior knowledge or socioeconomic status, these factors could affect the outcomes independently, thus confounding the results. Recognizing and addressing confounding variables is crucial in research design to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings.