In statistics and social sciences, an antecedent variable is a variable that cannot help to explain the apparent relationship (or part of the relationship) between other variables that are nominally in a cause and effect relationship. In a regression analysis, an antecedent variable would be one that influences both the independent variable and the dependent variable.
See also Path analysis (statistics) Latent variable Intervening variable Confounding variable
References Olobatuyi, M. E. (2006). "Definition of Basic Terms and Concepts". A User's Guide to Path Analysis. University Press of America. pp. 21–52. ISBN 0-7618-3230-0.