What is the definition of uncontrolled variables known or suspected to exert an influence on the dependent variable?

The term "confounding variables" refers to uncontrolled variables that can affect the outcome of an experiment, thus exerting influence on the dependent variable. These are variables that might be intertwined with the independent variable, leading to misleading conclusions about the relationship being studied. By not accounting for confounding variables, researchers may incorrectly attribute changes in the dependent variable to the independent variable, when in fact, the changes may be due to these other factors. This misattribution can skew the results of a study, making it essential to identify and control for confounding variables to ensure the validity of the research findings.