# What is the difference between a factor and a covariate for multinomial logistic reg?

##### New Member
Hi,

I am trying to run a multinomial logisitic regression and I am at the dialog box in SPSS 19 where it asks me to input my dependent, my factors, and my covariates. I have been looking everywhere for a good definition to indicate which of my variables are my factors and which are my covariates, but I am confused. here are examples of what I found:

Multinomial Logistic Regression: This is used to determine factors that affect the presence or absence of a characteristic when the dependent variable has three or more levels. In the dialog box, you select one dependent variable and your independent variables, which may be factors or covariates. The dialog box has the following submenus:
and this which is somewhat clearer

In SPSS, non-metric independent variables are included as “factors.” SPSS will dummy-code non-metric IVs.

In SPSS, metric independent variables are included as “covariates.” If an independent variable is ordinal, we will attach the usual caution.
Metric data is any reading which is atleast at an interval scale. As opposed to Non Metric data which can be nominal or ordinal.

Ex: weight, height, distance, revenue, cost etc., all of them are interval scales or above. Hence they are metric data.

On the other hands, satisfaction ratings, Yes/No responses, Male/Female readings etc., are Non Metric Data.

Here is what my data breakdown looks like:
[AgeRange=0]
[AgeRange=1]
[AgeRange=2]
[AgeRange=3]
[AgeRange=4]
[AgeRange=5]
[Income=1]
[Income=2]
[Income=3]
[Income=4]
[Income=5]
[Income=6]
[OwnEducation=1]
[OwnEducation=2]
[OwnEducation=3]
[OwnEducation=4]
[Gender=1]
[Gender=2]
[MontherEducation=1]
[MontherEducation=2]

So just let me verify (because by explaining it here I think I understand it better): Are all of my 5 variables ordinal? The age, income, and educations are all lists (i.e: 18-24, 25-34, etc). If so they are all Factors and I have no covariates, right?

Thanks. I'm also posting this to help future searchers with this dilemma.

Edit: If this is in the wrong sub-forum please feel free to move it

#### ledzep

##### Point Mass at Zero
Re: What is the difference between a factor and a covariate for multinomial logistic

Ordinal Variables are when there is a natural ordering to the data [ hence ordinal]. E.g. Income as Low, Mid, High is a ordinal variable.

If your variables have such orderings then they will be Ordinal variables.

I guess, Gender won't have such order. It is just a factor or categorical variable.

If your age is continuous (rather than age brackets) then it would be a covariate. If your age is given as age-brackets, then it wont be covariate.

#### noetsi

##### No cake for spunky
Re: What is the difference between a factor and a covariate for multinomial logistic

My guess, given other experiences with SPSS, is that factors are interval variables and covariates are categorical ones. SPSS often makes that distinction in its analysis.

#### noetsi

##### No cake for spunky
Re: What is the difference between a factor and a covariate for multinomial logistic

Assuming metric means interval I got it exactly reversed...

In SPSS, non-metric independent variables are included as “factors.” SPSS will dummy-code non-metric IVs.

In SPSS, metric independent variables are included as “covariates.” If an independent variable is ordinal, we will attach the usual caution.

##### New Member
Re: What is the difference between a factor and a covariate for multinomial logistic

okay, so I seem to have 4 ordinal and one categorical (gender)... but all 5 are to be inputted as factors. correct?

#### noetsi

##### No cake for spunky
Re: What is the difference between a factor and a covariate for multinomial logistic

If you consider ordinal variables to be categorical in nature. Many consider them to be interval (covariates apparently in SPSS). If you have ordinal variables with a lot of distinct levels you will end up with a lot of dummy variables.

How many levels does each ordinal variable have?

##### New Member
Re: What is the difference between a factor and a covariate for multinomial logistic

Hi noetsi,

They are as follows:
Are you male or female?

Male
Female

In what age range do you fall?

18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 or Above

What range best describes your yearly income?

$0 -$25,000
$25,001 -$50,000
$50,001 -$75,000
$75,001 -$100,000
$100,001 -$150,000
\$150,000 +

What level of education have you completed?

High School or Equivalent
College