A researcher wants to find out whether campers prefer cotton or nylon sleeping bags.A troop of boy campers tried cotton and a troop of girl campers tried nylon sleeping bags.The sleeping bags were rated for softness and warmth.The confounding variable is
A) cotton or nylon material.
B) softness.
C) gender of camper.
D) campsite.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The confounding variable is something other than the factor being studied that could affect the results. In this case, the gender of the campers trying different types of sleeping bags could affect their preferences for softness and warmth. Therefore, the gender of the campers is the confounding variable. The material type (cotton or nylon) and softness/warmth ratings are the factors being studied. The campsite is not mentioned in relation to the sleeping bag preferences, so it is not a relevant variable.

A Researcher Wants to Find Out Whether Campers Prefer Cotton