AP Statistics 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The situation described refers to two variables that appear to have a strong relationship because they are influenced by an external factor that is not included in the analysis. This hidden factor creates an illusion of a direct correlation between the two variables. When this occurs, we refer to this external factor as a lurking variable.

A lurking variable is essentially a variable that is not considered in the analysis, yet it has an effect on both of the observed variables, leading to misleading interpretations of their relationship. Because it is not accounted for, it can make it look like the two variables are directly related when they are not, resulting in a correlation that does not truly reflect a cause-and-effect relationship.

This concept is crucial in statistics, as it emphasizes the importance of identifying and controlling for potential lurking variables in order to draw valid conclusions from data. In studies, recognizing lurking variables helps avoid misleading results and promotes a better understanding of the true interactions among variables.