Confounding factor
Also called: confounder, confounding variable, third factor
A hidden third factor that drives two things at once, making them look connected when neither causes the other.
When two things move together, a confounding factor may explain both. Ignoring it leads to false conclusions about cause and effect.
Example
Hot weather raises both ice cream sales and drownings, creating a correlation between them with no cause running from one to the other.
Learn more in these lessons
- Correlation and causationWhy doesn't correlation mean causation?
Related terms
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