The threat of confounding is particularly serious in research using
A) randomization
B) true experiments
C) subject variables
D) assignment of subjects to conditions

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Confounding occurs when a variable other than the independent variable systematically differs between the experimental groups. Subject variables, such as age, gender, and personality traits, are factors that could confound a study because they cannot be controlled by the researcher. Randomization can help to prevent confounding by distributing subject variables evenly across groups, but it is not foolproof. True experiments and assignment of subjects to conditions can also help to control for confounding variables, but they do not completely eliminate the risk. Therefore, C is the best choice because subject variables are the most likely to pose a threat of confounding.

The Threat of Confounding Is Particularly Serious in Research Using