Covariates: Understanding the Variables that Influence Relationships
Covariates are additional variables included in a statistical analysis to control for or adjust for their potential confounding or mediating effects on the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. They are essential in causal inference studies to reduce bias and improve the accuracy of the observed relationship. Covariates can account for factors that might influence the outcome but are not of primary interest in the analysis, such as age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Including relevant covariates helps isolate the true relationship between the independent and dependent variables, leading to more reliable and interpretable results.
