Thedens method, also known as the "method of averages", is a statistical technique used to estimate missing values in a data set by calculating the average value of neighboring observations. This approach is often employed when dealing with incomplete or limited data, allowing researchers to make informed decisions based on available information. Synonyms for the Thedens method include "averaging method", "mean substitution" or "imputation through averages". These terms highlight the core principle of this statistical approach, which involves replacing missing values with their average counterparts. By utilizing the Thedens method, analysts can obtain more reliable and comprehensive datasets for further analysis and inference.