Understanding simple linear regression

Regression is an entire category of statistical analysis, which includes dozens of types are variations. Even within those types, different people will use the same analysis in different ways. However, the first kind that most people learn is simple linear regression. It’s called simple because it only has one independent variable, and linear because it draws a straight line.

What you need to know about simple linear regression

Simple linear regression is all about prediction. You are testing to see whether one variable is a good predictor of the other one. If it is, you can use this model to actually make predictions. First, let’s talk about the chart:

• The x axis is the independent variable (predictor variable)
• The y axis is the dependent variable (criterion variable)

Along the bottom is the x axis, and this is where you put your independent variable. In regression analysis, this is called the predictor...