Response variable

Definition

A response variable, also known as a dependent variable, is the outcome or subject of interest in a study. It is what researchers measure to see if it changes due to variations in other variables.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The response variable is plotted on the y-axis in a scatter plot.
2. In regression analysis, the response variable is predicted by one or more explanatory variables.
3. The response variable should be continuous for most statistical analyses.
4. Correlation measures the strength and direction of the relationship between the response variable and another variable.
5. A change in the response variable indicates an effect caused by changes in explanatory variables.

Review Questions

• Where is the response variable typically plotted on a scatter plot?
• How does correlation relate to the response variable?
• What role does the response variable play in regression analysis?

Related terms

explanatoryVariable: An explanatory variable, also known as an independent variable, is used to explain or predict changes in the response variable.

scatterPlot: A scatter plot is a graphical representation showing the relationship between two quantitative variables using dots.

correlationCoefficient: The correlation coefficient quantifies the degree to which two variables are related and ranges from -1 to 1.