A confounding variable is devastating to an experimental design because it
A) increases the variability in the data.
B) increases the internal reactivity of the experiment.
C) makes possible alternative explanations for the results.
D) eliminates alternative explanations for the results.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A confounding variable is an outside factor that may have an effect on the outcome of an experiment, and it makes it difficult to determine the true cause-and-effect relationship between the independent variable and dependent variable. As a result, it allows for alternative explanations for the results, making it difficult to draw conclusions based on the experiment's findings.

A Confounding Variable Is Devastating to an Experimental Design Because