Question:

A variable that interferes with other variables in the study is called:

Show Hint

Think of a variable linked to both the exposure and the outcome that distorts the true relationship being studied.
Updated On: Jul 4, 2026
  • An explanatory variable
  • An outcome variable
  • A confounding variable
  • An interfering variable
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the roles of variables in a study. An explanatory variable is the one whose effect on the outcome we want to study, and the outcome (or response) variable is the one being measured as the result.
Step 2: A confounding variable is a variable, other than the explanatory variable of interest, that is associated with both the explanatory variable and the outcome variable, and so distorts or interferes with the true relationship being studied. It creates a spurious or misleading association if not controlled for.
Step 3: The term used in standard statistical and research methodology terminology for such an interfering variable is confounding variable, not explanatory, outcome, or interfering variable (the last is not the standard term).
Step 4: Therefore, the correct term is a confounding variable. \[\boxed{\text{A confounding variable}}\]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0