Types of Third Variables Flashcards

1
Q

Confounding Variable

A

A variable is associated with both the exposure and the outcome, but does NOT lie on the causative pathway

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2
Q

Confounding can account for what

A

Can account for all or part of an apparent association between an exposure and an outcome

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3
Q

What must be considered for confounding variables?

A

Prevent distortion of results
-Confounder is in the middle

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4
Q

Moderator Variable

A

A variable that alters the strength and/or direction of the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent such that the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable depends on the values of the moderator

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5
Q

Moderator can account for what

A

The exposure has a different effect on the outcome depending on the different subgroups (moderator) incorporated

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6
Q

What must be considered for moderator variables?

A

Stratification
-Act on the exposure

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7
Q

Mediator Variable

A

An intermediate or intervening variable in a causal chain relating an independent and a dependent variable

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8
Q

Mediator can account for what

A

Independent variable leads to changes on a mediator, which, in turn causes changes on a dependent variable

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9
Q

What must be considered for mediator variables?

A

Causative Pathway
-Mediator acts directly on the outcome

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10
Q

When is an RCT NOT feasible?

A
  1. Observational studies using administrative medical claims data
  2. Clinical studies with ethical prohibition on randomization
  3. Survey based research where respondents volunteer to participate but may not answer all survey items
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11
Q

What is a Natural Experiment?

A
  1. Partially uncontrollable or controllable studies
  2. Flaws do NOT average out
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12
Q

What is Regression Analysis?

A

A FAMILY of stat techniques that assess differences across test and control groups while accounting for factors that do NOT average out (bias)

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13
Q

Can confounders, moderators, and mediators exist simultaneously?

A

YES, they can exist independently or simultaneously

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