Confounding Variables

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.

Related terms

Dependent Variable:

This is what researchers measure in an experiment and expect to change as a result of the experimental manipulation.

Independent Variable:

This is what researchers manipulate or vary in an experiment.

Control Group:

This group does not receive any experimental treatment and serves as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group.