predictor variable
a variable used to estimate, forecast, or project future events or circumstances. In personnel selection, for example, predictors such as qualifications, relevant work experience, and job-specific skills (e.g., computer proficiency, ability to speak a particular language) may be used to estimate an applicant’s future job performance. In regression analysis and other models, predictor variables are investigated to assess the strength and direction of their association with an outcome, criterion, or dependent variable. When more than one variable is included in the analysis, the relative weights of each in determining the outcome are evaluated as well. This term sometimes is used interchangeably with independent variable. Also called predictor.