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Covariate

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Definition

A quantitative nuisance factor that varies along with the response variable but is not related to the other Factors under study. Its effect must be adjusted for using Analysis of Covariance, otherwise it may inflate the error variance and obscure the true factor effects. For instance, while studying the effect of Training (factor) on Task Performance (response), Experience could be a covariate. Age is used as a covariate in many clinical studies.