What is true about the implications of using a confounding variable in research?

Using a confounding variable in research can indeed invalidate the conclusions drawn from the study. A confounding variable is an extraneous factor that is not accounted for but that can influence both the independent and dependent variables, leading to a misleading association. This means that the observed effects in the research may actually be due to the influence of this confounding variable rather than the relationship being studied. As a result, any conclusions drawn without accounting for these confounding variables may not accurately reflect the true relationships between the variables of interest, thus compromising the validity of the research findings. Recognizing and controlling for confounding variables is crucial to ensure that the results genuinely reflect the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable.