omitted variable bias

the situation in which values calculated from a statistical model systematically overestimate or underestimate a degree of relationship or other quantity of interest because an important variable has been left out of the model. For example, a researcher could hypothesize a linear regression equation in which stressful life events and lack of social support predict depression. If coping skills also are highly relevant to predicting depression, the researcher’s failure to include that element in his or her conceptualization would create an omitted variable bias. The exclusion of important variables from models may constrain the validity of study findings. See also biased estimator.

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Psychology term of the day

February 17th 2025

sexually dimorphic nucleus

a nucleus of the central nervous system that differs in size between males and females. In humans, for example, a nucleus in the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus that synthesizes gonadotropin-releasing hormone tends to be larger and more active in males than in females because gonadotropin release is continuous (it is cyclical in females). In songbirds whose males sing more than females, several brain nuclei associated with both song learning and song production are larger in males than in females.