data item statistical model component Philippe Rocca-Serra Harold Lehmann, Brian S. Alper, Kenneth Wilkins A statistical model is defined as a set of mathematical relationships that express assumptions related to the generation of the observed data and that sets constraints for the analysis of the data. Statistical model components include graphical structures (e.g. directed acyclic graph), equations (e.g. regression model form), components of equations (e.g. covariate term), and distributional assumptions (e.g. regression error distribution) requires discussion