What do you call any factor in a research study that makes the results uninterpretable?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A confound refers to any variable that may affect the outcome of a study but is not accounted for or controlled by the researcher. Confounding variables can make it difficult to interpret study results as it becomes unclear whether the effects observed are due to the independent variable being tested or the confounding variable.

What Do You Call Any Factor in a Research Study