intervening variable

views updated May 29 2018

intervening variable A variable, used in the process of explaining an observed relationship between an independent and dependent variable(s), such that XTY—where T is the intervening variable which is used to explain the XY relationship. For example, if X is age and Y is reading ability, the causal relationship between X and Y might be explained by the intervening variable T, say education, which explains the XY link. Hence X is an indirect cause of Y through the intervening variable T: T predicts Y but is simultaneously predicted by X.

variable, intervening

views updated May 23 2018

variable, intervening See INTERVENING VARIABLE.

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