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# Association analysis

Association analysis (Since version 7.16) measures the strengths of associations between sets of nodes or variables X and Y.

For example, it can be used to measure the strength of links in a network.

info

Supported for discrete, continuous, hybrid (discrete - continuous) and multi-variate nodes.

## Mutual information​

Mutual information quantifies the amount of information that can be gained from one variable through the other. Often denoted I(X;Y).

## Entropy​

The Entropy for X and Y, denoted H(X) and H(Y) respectively, are reported for convenience, as the normalized forms of the mutual information require them.

## Symmetric mutual information​

The symmetric mutual information (symmetric uncertainty) is a normalized version of the mutual information. It tells us the strength of the association given the level of uncertainty present in X and Y.

It equals 2 * I(X;Y) / (H(X) + H(Y))

## Proficiency​

The proficiency (uncertainty coefficient) normalizes the mutual information for either X or Y. For example, the proficiency of X given Y tells us how strong the relationship is given that we know Y.

The proficiency of X given Y, denoted U(X|Y) equals I(X;Y)/H(X), and U(Y|X) equals I(X;Y)/H(Y).