Confounding Variable

Fernando Lemos Bernardo

Confounding variable. A variable is considered to be confounding because it

provides an alternative explanation for your results; that is, an alternative explanation
for the relationship or differences between the variables and/or groups that you are
measuring. This threatens the internal validity of your results. A confounding variable,
also known as a third variable or a mediator variable, can adversely affect the relation
between the independent variable and dependent variable. This may cause the
researcher to analyze the results incorrectly. The results may show a false
correlation between the dependent and independent variables, leading to an incorrect
rejection of the null hypothesis. For example the relationship between the force applied
to a ball and the distance the ball travels. The natural prediction would be that the ball
given the most force would travel furthest. However, if the confounding variable is a
downward slanted piece of wood to help propel the ball, the results would be
dramatically different. The slanted wood is the confounding variable that changes the
outcome of the experiment.

To avoid having confounded variables, it is important to take possible bias into

account, to make sure participants are assigned randomly to experimental conditions
and to verify that the independent variable is the sole element that can be causing the
effect. Several approaches can be taken to avoid losing validity due to confounded
variables. Naturally, the best approach is to design the experiment such that
confounding variables are avoided. When this is not possible, other precautions can be
taken that would allow the researcher to draw valid conclusions. First, one can use
demographic data to measure possible confounding. When conducting a user study, it is
useful to collect additional demographic data so that expected confounding can be
objectively evaluated. However, if experimental groups do not differ on these
measures, the study is strengthened. A second approach to avoid making conclusions
based on confounded variables is to include complementary outcome measures in the
study. A third approach is to improve the design to avoid possible confounding.1

1 Essay submitted to department of science of language, communication and arts, English

course in practical fulfillment of subject (MEIC) Hermenegildo da Helena Nicolau. MEA.
MBA.