Explorations in statistics: regression

Adv Physiol Educ. 2011 Dec;35(4):347-52. doi: 10.1152/advan.00051.2011.

Abstract

Learning about statistics is a lot like learning about science: the learning is more meaningful if you can actively explore. This seventh installment of Explorations in Statistics explores regression, a technique that estimates the nature of the relationship between two things for which we may only surmise a mechanistic or predictive connection. Regression helps us answer three questions: does some variable Y depend on another variable X; if so, what is the nature of the relationship between Y and X; and for some value of X, what value of Y do we predict? Residual plots are an essential component of a thorough regression analysis: they help us decide if our statistical regression model of the relationship between Y and X is appropriate.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomedical Research / statistics & numerical data*
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical*
  • Humans
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Physiology / statistics & numerical data*
  • Regression Analysis*
  • Software