Observational Studies and Experiments — Quiz

Question 5 • Statistics and Probability

Which statement best describes the effect of the confounding variables?

Answer

If the half of the lawn with the new lawn food shows fewer weeds after a month, this will prove the new lawn food is better at stopping weed growth.

Because of confounding variables, the homeowner should only put the new lawn food on shady spots and the original brand on sunny spots.

The parts of the lawn that receive the new lawn food may also get more shade than other parts of the lawn, and the shade might also cause fewer weeds.

Because shade is a primary cause of weed growth, the brand of lawn food used in shady or sunny spots will not affect the number of weeds.

Explanation

A confounding variable is another factor that could affect the results and make it hard to tell what caused the difference. If the areas receiving the new lawn food also get more shade, and shade can reduce weeds, then fewer weeds might be due to the shade rather than the lawn food. So A best describes the effect of the confounding variable.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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