PsychologyJuly 13, 2026
covariates
/ˈkoʊˌvɛriɪts/
Definition
Secondary variables or factors that are measured alongside the primary variable because they might influence the outcome of a study.
Etymology
The word is formed from the prefix 'co-' (together) and 'variate' (a variable quantity), deriving from the Latin 'co-' and 'variare' (to change). It entered scientific usage in the 20th century to describe factors that vary in conjunction with a primary subject of analysis.
In the news
In this article, researchers used assay covariates to ensure that the observed link between testosterone and emotional distress wasn't actually caused by other hormonal factors like DHEA or estradiol.
Testosterone Drives Early Pubertal Distress in Girls
Read the full article ↗Neuroscience News