Skip to main content
We’re so back. See what’s new for the 2026-2027 school year →

🧠ap psychology review

Confounding Variables in AP Psychology

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

Definition

These are factors other than the independent variable that may cause a result in an experiment, making it difficult to determine if the results were due to the independent variable or these other factors.

This definition is part of Fiveable's AP Psychology review, which also has guided practice questions.

AP course connection

Topic 1.3: Defining Psychological Science: The Experimental Method

Review this concept in the study guide

Unit 1

See every topic in this unit

Confounding Variables cheat sheet

Visual study aid for homework and review

"Confounding Variables" 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.