Question:
A confounding factor is best defined as which of the following?
A confounding factor is best defined as which of the following?
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Linked to both exposure and disease, and unequally distributed between groups.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Factor associated with both the exposure and the disease and is distributed unequally in study and control groups.
- Factor associated with exposure only and is distributed unequally in study and control groups.
- Factor associated with both the exposure and the disease and is distributed equally in study and control groups.
- Factor associated with the disease and is distributed equally in study and control groups.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: A confounder is an extraneous variable that distorts the observed relationship between an exposure and a disease. To do this it must be linked to both sides of the association.
Step 2: Two conditions must hold: the factor is associated with both the exposure and the disease, and it is distributed unequally between the study (exposed) and control (unexposed) groups. The unequal distribution is what creates the distortion.
Step 3: Options that link the factor to only exposure or only disease, or that say it is distributed equally, do not satisfy both criteria, so a true confounder cannot be defined that way. Hence option (a) is correct.
Step 2: Two conditions must hold: the factor is associated with both the exposure and the disease, and it is distributed unequally between the study (exposed) and control (unexposed) groups. The unequal distribution is what creates the distortion.
Step 3: Options that link the factor to only exposure or only disease, or that say it is distributed equally, do not satisfy both criteria, so a true confounder cannot be defined that way. Hence option (a) is correct.
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