Definition

Noun: - A statistical measure: A partial correlation is a measure of the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables, while statistically controlling for (removing the influence of) one or more other variables.

Usage

Partial correlation is used in statistics and data analysis to understand the unique relationship between two variables, independent of other factors that might affect them both. - It helps determine if a relationship between two variables is direct or if it is explained by their mutual association with a third variable. - The calculation produces a coefficient, similar to a standard correlation coefficient, which ranges from -1 to +1.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• First-order partial correlation: Controls for one other variable.
• Higher-order partial correlation: Controls for two or more other variables.
• Semi-partial correlation (or part correlation): A related concept that measures the relationship between two variables while controlling for one or more other variables only for one of the two variables in the primary relationship.

Variants and Related Words

• Correlation (n): A measure of the relationship between two variables without controlling for others.
• Coefficient (n): A numerical or constant factor in a mathematical expression, such as a correlation coefficient.
• Control variable (n): A variable that is held constant or accounted for in an analysis to assess the relationship between other variables.

Synonyms

• Net correlation
• Conditional correlation

Related Phrases

• "Controlling for": The statistical process of accounting for the influence of specific variables.
  • The analysis examined the link, controlling for age and income.
• "Holding constant": Similar to "controlling for"; keeping other factors unchanged in the analysis.
  • The partial correlation shows the relationship holding constant the effect of experience.

Noun

1. a correlation between two variables when the effects of one or more related variables are removed