Plural of confounder; multiple variables or factors that confuse or complicate the results of research or analysis.
From confounder + -s plural suffix. A technical term essential to scientific methodology, with usage becoming standardized in the 20th century.
Scientists have entire methods to identify and control confounders—because confounders can make a completely harmless thing look dangerous or hide a real risk, which is why good science requires serious detective work.
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