Evidence-Based Medicine · Pharmacology

Which of the following best describes confounding in clinical research?

  1. A random measurement or sampling error
  2. A variable linked to both exposure and outcome
  3. Intentional manipulation or falsification of data
  4. Loss of participants during the follow-up period
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Correct answer: A variable linked to both exposure and outcome

Confounding occurs when an extraneous variable influences both the exposure and outcome. This distorts the apparent association between them. Proper study design and analysis are needed to control confounders.

Difficulty: Medium Question 20 of 20

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