A researcher noticed that, for streams along the East Coast, the amount of money spent on restoration and the number of distinct fish populations present appeared to have a negative correlation.
The researcher concluded that a lurking variable must be present. What does the researcher mean by a "lurking variable"?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A lurking variable is a variable that is not among the variables studied but that affects the response variable. In this case, there must be a variable that is causing both the amount of money spent on restoration and the number of distinct fish populations to either increase or decrease, creating a negative correlation. The researcher needs to identify and account for this lurking variable in order to fully understand the relationship between the two variables.

A Researcher Noticed That, for Streams Along the East Coast