Question

In correlation analysis, the independent variable is

Multiple Choice

• the variable that is scaled on the vertical axis.

• the variable that is being predicted or estimated.

• a variable that provides the basis for estimation. It is the predictor variable.

• The independent variable is the variable that provides the basis for estimation. It is the predictor variable. The independent variable is the variable that the dependent variable depends on.

Answer 1

The correct answer for the given question is :

The independent variable is the variable that provides the basis for estimation. It is the predictor variable. The independent variable is the variable that the dependent variable depends on.

Explaination : We call the independent variable as the predictor variable as our response variable i.e. our dependent variable depends on it. Change in value of the independent/ predictor variable causes a change in value of dependent/response variable.

Reasons for rejecting the other options:

• the variable that is scaled on the vertical axis. : ​​​​​The response/ dependent variable is scaled in the vertical i.e. Y axis.The independent variable is scaled in the horizontal i.e. X axis. Hence we reject this statement.

• the variable that is being predicted or estimated.: The variable that is being predicted or estimated is the dependent variable. Independent variable is used to predict or estimate the dependent/ response variable. Hence we reject this statement too.

• a variable that provides the basis for estimation. It is the predictor variable : Although this statement is true, our chosen answer has a last added part i.e." The independent variable is the variable that the dependent variable depends on " which makes the last option more accurate to choose over this option.