Consider the following statement, "Babies who breastfeed are less likely to grow into children with behavioral problems by the time they reach age 5 than those who receive formula milk." Which of the following is a plausible confounding variable in this study?
A) Mothers social-economic status
B) The age at which breastfeeding ends
C) The quality of the formula milk
D) All of these
E) None of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of these are plausible confounding variables because they could be related to both breastfeeding and behavioral problems. For example, mothers with higher socioeconomic status may be more likely to breastfeed their children and also to provide them with a more stimulating and supportive environment, which could lead to fewer behavioral problems. Similarly, children who are breastfed for a longer period of time may be less likely to have behavioral problems because they have had more exposure to the protective factors in breast milk. Finally, the quality of the formula milk could also affect a child's behavior, as some formulas may contain ingredients that are linked to behavioral problems.

Consider the Following Statement, "Babies Who Breastfeed Are Less Likely