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A '''confounding factor''' in a scientific experiment or statistical analysis is a variable that influences both the dependent variable and independent variable, causing a spurious association. Confounding is a causal concept, and as such, cannot be described in terms of correlations or associations[[Causal Inference|Causal Inference]]. | A '''confounding factor''' in a scientific experiment or statistical analysis is a variable that influences both the dependent variable and independent variable, causing a spurious association. Confounding is a causal concept, and as such, cannot be described in terms of correlations or associations[[Causal Inference|Causal Inference]]. | ||
[[Image:Detail-77675.jpg|thumb|center|A laboratory setting with a scientist conducting an experiment.]] | [[Image:Detail-77675.jpg|thumb|center|A laboratory setting with a scientist conducting an experiment.|class=only_on_mobile]] | ||
[[Image:Detail-77676.jpg|thumb|center|A laboratory setting with a scientist conducting an experiment.|class=only_on_desktop]] | |||
== Understanding Confounding == | == Understanding Confounding == |