Confounding variable

Definition

A third variable that may influence both variables being compared, creating or altering an apparent correlation.

Used by OCR

Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)

Hot, sunny weather is a confounding variable: it encourages people both to buy ice cream and to spend time outside, where sunburn can occur.
Revise: Correlation and cause

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GCSE Chemistry · key term

A third variable that may influence both variables being compared, creating or altering an apparent correlation.

Used by OCR

Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)

Hot, sunny weather is a confounding variable: it encourages people both to buy ice cream and to spend time outside, where sunburn can occur.
Revise: Correlation and cause

Create a free account to read GCSE Chemistry revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.