The explanatory (independent) variable(s) in regression are best described as

The explanatory (independent) variable(s) in regression are best described as

• A. One or more exploratory variables
• B. The dependent variable
• C. The residuals
• D. The intercept term

Answer: (A)

In regression, the variables used to explain or predict the outcome are the explanatory (independent) variables. They are the predictors you believe influence the dependent variable and may include one or more factors that you’re examining. These predictors can be single or multiple and can be numeric or categorical, chosen based on theory or prior data about what might drive the outcome. The dependent variable is the outcome you’re trying to predict, not the variables used to explain it. Residuals are the differences between observed values and what the model predicts—the portion of variation not explained by the predictors. The intercept term is the predicted value when all predictors are zero, a fixed part of the model rather than a standalone explanatory variable. So the explanatory (independent) variables are best described as one or more exploratory (predictor) variables.

In regression, the variables used to explain or predict the outcome are the explanatory (independent) variables. They are the predictors you believe influence the dependent variable and may include one or more factors that you’re examining. These predictors can be single or multiple and can be numeric or categorical, chosen based on theory or prior data about what might drive the outcome.

The dependent variable is the outcome you’re trying to predict, not the variables used to explain it. Residuals are the differences between observed values and what the model predicts—the portion of variation not explained by the predictors. The intercept term is the predicted value when all predictors are zero, a fixed part of the model rather than a standalone explanatory variable.

So the explanatory (independent) variables are best described as one or more exploratory (predictor) variables.