Which method would you use to predict a numeric outcome from one or more predictor variables?

Which method would you use to predict a numeric outcome from one or more predictor variables?

• A. Regression
• B. Correlation
• C. ANOVA
• D. t-test

Answer: (A)

Regression is used to predict a numeric outcome from one or more predictor variables. It fits a model that links the outcome to the predictors and yields coefficients that show how much the outcome is expected to change with each predictor, enabling actual value predictions for new observations. Simple regression handles one predictor, while multiple regression handles several. This approach focuses on forecasting a quantitative result, not just measuring a relationship. Correlation measures how strongly two numeric variables move together but doesn’t provide a predictive model with multiple predictors or a way to generate predicted values. ANOVA compares average outcomes across different groups and is geared toward testing mean differences rather than predicting a numeric value from predictors. A t-test compares means between two groups, again emphasizing group differences rather than building a predictive model with predictors. Regression thus best fits the goal of predicting a numeric outcome from predictors.

Regression is used to predict a numeric outcome from one or more predictor variables. It fits a model that links the outcome to the predictors and yields coefficients that show how much the outcome is expected to change with each predictor, enabling actual value predictions for new observations. Simple regression handles one predictor, while multiple regression handles several. This approach focuses on forecasting a quantitative result, not just measuring a relationship. Correlation measures how strongly two numeric variables move together but doesn’t provide a predictive model with multiple predictors or a way to generate predicted values. ANOVA compares average outcomes across different groups and is geared toward testing mean differences rather than predicting a numeric value from predictors. A t-test compares means between two groups, again emphasizing group differences rather than building a predictive model with predictors. Regression thus best fits the goal of predicting a numeric outcome from predictors.