In the United States, the murder rate is higher in the South than in the North. You wish to demonstrate that this contrast reflects cultural variables. In the language of research methodology, mean annual temperature is a potential __________ variable in your investigation.
A) confounding
B) external
C) independent
D) dependent

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mean annual temperature is a potential confounding variable because it could be related to both the cultural variables and the murder rate. For example, warmer climates might lead to more outdoor activity and a more laid-back culture, but it could also lead to increased aggression and violence. Therefore, it is important to control for mean annual temperature in the analysis to determine whether the cultural variables are truly responsible for the contrast in murder rates between the North and South.

In the United States, the Murder Rate Is Higher in the South