If a relationship between two variables is spurious:
A)it is curvilinear.
B)it can disappear when a third variable is controlled for.
C)it will remain unchanged when a third variable is controlled for.
D)it involves a mediating variable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spurious relationships are falsely assumed to be causal due to the presence of a third variable that is influencing both the independent and dependent variable. Controlling for this third variable can eliminate the spurious relationship. Therefore, option B is the correct choice. The other options do not accurately describe spurious relationships.

If a Relationship Between Two Variables Is Spurious