Question

What term is used for a contaminating factor in the context of quantitative studies?

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

Answer 1

Quantitative studies usually conducted within the traditional scientific method, which is systematic and controlled.

In research studies while comparing the effectiveness of a structured intervention, contamination occurs when the control group makes changes based on learning those participating in the intervention are doing.

Here confounding variable is used for a contaminating factor in the context of quantitative studies. which is also known as extraneous variables. A confounding factor in a study is a variable which is related to one or more of the measurements in the study. Confounding factor may adversely affect relation between independent variable and dependent variable. It will leads the researcher to analyse the results incorrectly. A confounding factor may mask the real association or falsely demonstrates the association. If confounding factor are not meassured, study result may be biased.