Skip to main content
We’re so back. See what’s new for the 2026-2027 school year →
The new Teacher Workspace is here. Your first 3 assignments are free. Try it →

🧠ap psychology review

Confounding Variable in AP Psychology

Written by the Fiveable Content Team
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team

Definition

A confounding variable is an extraneous factor that influences the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable, making it difficult to determine the true effect of the independent variable. It can lead to false or misleading conclusions in a study.

Confounding Variable cheat sheet for homework

visual study aid

"Confounding Variable" also found in:

Keep studying AP Psychology

Connect this key term to the AP exam workflow: review the course, practice questions, and check related study tools.

AP Psychology hub

Review units, study guides, and course resources.

AP-style practice

Check this vocabulary in multiple-choice context.

FRQ practice

Apply key concepts in written AP responses.

Score calculator

Estimate the exam score you are working toward.

Cheatsheets

Review the highest-yield facts before practice.

Practice exam

Put the full course together before test day.