---
title: "Antecedent variable"
chunk: 1/1
source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antecedent_variable"
category: "reference"
tags: "science, encyclopedia"
date_saved: "2026-05-05T12:21:16.054358+00:00"
instance: "kb-cron"
---

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.