Confounding can be identified through various methods: 1. Stratification: Dividing the study population into subgroups based on the confounder and observing whether the association persists within these strata. 2. Multivariable Analysis: Using statistical methods like multiple regression to adjust for potential confounders. 3. Randomization: In randomized controlled trials, random assignment of participants to exposure groups helps to evenly distribute confounders across groups.