Causal reasoning · Analytical roles
Variable Roles
Why is a variable entering the analysis, and what changes when we condition on it?
Page 1 of 7 · Big Picture
The big picture: Variable Roles
What job does a third variable perform in the analytical argument?
Why a policy analyst should care
The same variable can be a confounder, mediator, collider, or effect modifier depending on the question; its name alone cannot determine whether it belongs in a model.
Follow the idea from the opening question to a practical decision. These are the conceptual moves this module will develop:
1 Question What job does the third variable perform?
2 Explore Compare five analytical roles
3 Formalize Role follows the research question
4 Transfer Classify income in an access study
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