<P> All of these examples deal with a lurking variable , which is simply a hidden third variable that affects both causes of the correlation . A difficulty often also arises where the third factor , though fundamentally different from A and B , is so closely related to A and / or B as to be confused with them or very difficult to scientifically disentangle from them ( see Example 4 ) . </P>
<P> All of these examples deal with a lurking variable , which is simply a hidden third variable that affects both causes of the correlation . A difficulty often also arises where the third factor , though fundamentally different from A and B , is so closely related to A and / or B as to be confused with them or very difficult to scientifically disentangle from them ( see Example 4 ) . </P>
a false correlation between two variables caused by a third variable
a false correlation between two variables caused by a third variable
lurking variable
lurking variable