a variable that is correlated with a primary outcome or dependent variable and whose value is predicted by that outcome variable. For example, in studies examining the influence of teaching style on student academic achievement, student motivation may be a consequent variable of achievement. Compare antecedent variable.
1. a person or object that substitutes for the role of an individual who has a significant position in a family or group. See father surrogate; mother surrogate.
2. more generally, any person or entity that substitutes for another.