Antecedent variable

In statistics and social sciences, an antecedent variable is a variable that cannot help to explain the apparent relationship (or part of the relationship) between other variables that are nominally in a cause and effect relationship. In a regression analysis, an antecedent variable would be one that influences both the independent variable and the dependent variable.

See also

• Path analysis (statistics)
• Latent variable
• Intervening variable
• Confounding variable

References

• Olobatuyi, M. E. (2006). "Definition of Basic Terms and Concepts". A User's Guide to Path Analysis. University Press of America. pp. 21–52. ISBN 0-7618-3230-0.