Contextual Variables

From Q
Jump to navigation Jump to search

A 'contextual' variable is an outcome variable that describes a property of a group that a unit belongs to rather than a property of the unit. For example, a geodemographic variable such as the average age in a suburb where a person lives is a contextual variable. Contextual variables are used to:

  • Improve prediction in situations where there are few other independent variables available.
  • As a proxy for sociological variables (i.e., the characteristics of a person's social group).