Question

A sociologist thinks he has discovered a very unique finding. His data show a correlation between children's shoe sizes and their reading test scores. He thinks that children with bigger feet must be smarter. When he tells a colleague about this finding, the colleague suggests that both shoe size and reading test score are correlated with a child's age. In this case, what is the correct classification for the child's age?

A. Independent variable
B. Dependent variable
C. Confounding variable
D. Control variable

Answer 1

Child's age in the correlation between shoe sizes and reading test scores is a confounding variable because it relates to both variables and could lead to erroneous causal inferences.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scenario where a sociologist discovers a correlation between children's shoe sizes and their reading test scores, and a colleague suggests that both are correlated with a child's age, the child's age would be classified as a confounding variable. A confounding variable is an extraneous variable that correlates with both the independent and dependent variable, potentially leading to a false assumption of causation. In scientific research, identifying and controlling for confounding variables is critical to maintain the validity of the study's conclusions.