What is "endogeneity"

n. 1 (context uncountable English) The state of being endogenous 2 (context countable English) The extent to which something is endogenous

In statistics, an endogeneity problem occurs when an explanatory variable is correlated with the error term. Endogeneity can arise as a result of measurement error, autoregression with autocorrelated errors, simultaneity and omitted variables. Two common causes of endogeneity are: 1) an uncontrolled confounder causing both independent and dependent variables of a model; and 2) a loop of causality between the independent and dependent variables of a model.

For example, in a simple supply and demand model, when predicting the quantity demanded in equilibrium, the price is endogenous because producers change their price in response to demand and consumers change their demand in response to price. In this case, the price variable is said to have total endogeneity once the demand and supply curves are known. In contrast, a change in consumer tastes or preferences would be an exogenous change on the demand curve.

In a variety of contexts endogeneity is the property of being influenced within a system. It appears in specific contexts as:

• Endogeneity (econometrics)
• Endogenous growth theory in economics
• Endogenous preferences in economics