What is meant by a 'confounding variable' in research?

A confounding variable is one that influences both the dependent and independent variables, which can lead to a distortion in the perceived relationship between them. In research, this is particularly important because it can create a false impression of a correlation where none exists or mask a true correlation by intertwining the effects of these variables.

When confounding variables are present, they can obscure the true causal relationship being investigated, leading researchers to potentially incorrect conclusions about the effectiveness of an intervention or the nature of a phenomenon. This is why it is crucial for researchers to identify and control for confounding variables during the study design process to ensure that the results are truly reflective of the independent variable’s effect on the dependent variable.