Nature of Science p2 Flashcards
Independent Variable
A variable that causes or influences another variable. Also called a predictor variable, determinant, and a risk factor. Symbolized as X.
Dependent Variable
A variable that is caused or influenced by another variable. Also called an outcome variable and an effect variable. Symbolized as Y
Variable are not intrinsically independent or dependent!
Intervening Variable
A variable that is the effect of the independent variable and a cause of the dependent variable. Also called a mediating variable.
Modifying Variable
A variable for which the relationship between the independent and dependent variable varies across its categories. Also called an effect modifier and an interaction variable.
Confounding Variable
A variable that contributes in a non-causal way to the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
Control Variable
A variable that is held constant or prevented from varying so that it cannot account for the relationship between an independent and dependent variable.
Antecedent Variable
An independent variable that occurs prior in time to both other independent variables and the dependent variable.
Explanatory variables
All variables selected for analysis
Categorical (Qualitative) variables
A variable whose values are non-numeric
Continuous (Continuous) variables
A variables whose values have numeric meaning
Ecologic fallacy
When properties of groups are used to make inferences about the behavior of individuals within those groups.
Individualistic fallacy
When properties of individuals are used to make inferences about the groups to which they belong.
Variables
A variable is any characteristic of the cases being studied that varies.
Variables have 2 or more values or categories.
Relationship/Association
A change in value of one variable is associated with a change in value of the other variable.
