DaVonte is planning on studying the influence of intelligence on the ability to recall events from the 1960s. If DaVonte does not account for variables such as age, which could also influence one's ability to recall these events, age could be considered a(n) __________ variable.
A) random
B) dependent
C) confounding
D) independent

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Age is a confounding variable because it is related to both intelligence and the ability to recall events from the 1960s. If not accounted for, it could create a spurious relationship between intelligence and recall ability. Random variables do not have a systematic relationship with the variables of interest. Dependent variables are affected by the independent variable, but in this case, we are not discussing the relationship between two variables. Independent variables are manipulated by the researcher, but in this case, age is not being manipulated.

DaVonte Is Planning on Studying the Influence of Intelligence on the Ability