liveBook · Manning

Covariate

A covariate is an observed or supplied variable included in a statistical, causal, or predictive model to describe, explain, predict, or adjust for variation in an outcome.

How 2 Manning books explain it

Effective Data Analysis

A covariate is a variable included in or considered by a statistical model because it may vary with a predictor or outcome.

How it is used
Uses covariates to assess whether an observed relationship may be confounded in statistical analysis.
How deep it goes
Defines confounding and outlines study-design and statistical responses without detailing specific adjustment procedures.
Examples
Illustrates covariates through caffeine in sleep research and median age in geographic comparisons of product preferences.
What you can do after
Apply study-design review and statistical approaches to reduce misleading conclusions from confounding.

Read how Effective Data Analysis explains covariate →

Causal Inference for Data Science

A covariate is an observed variable included as an input or conditioning variable in a statistical or causal model.

How it is used
Uses observed variables for prediction, conditioning, patient matching, propensity scores, and regression adjustment.
How deep it goes
Defines covariates through regression and conditional expectation, then demonstrates matching and adjustment in causal analyses.
Examples
Uses ICU stay prediction, patient matching, and synthetic difference-in-differences data containing an added variable A.
What you can do after
Apply them via R or Python regression models in a difference-in-differences analysis.

Read how Causal Inference for Data Science explains covariate →

Related concepts

These guides are generated from the text of Manning books by Manning's knowledge graph and link to the sections they draw on. The full books are available on liveBook and at manning.com.