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Statistics

Introduction

StatisticsIntroduction
Figure 12.1 Linear regression and correlation can help you determine whether an auto mechanic’s salary is related to his work experience. (credit: Joshua Rothhaas)

Chapter Objectives

By the end of this chapter, the student should be able to do the following:

  • Discuss basic ideas of linear regression and correlation
  • Create and interpret a line of best fit
  • Calculate and interpret the correlation coefficient
  • Calculate and interpret outliers

Introduction

Professionals often want to know how two or more numeric variables are related. For example, is there a relationship between the grade on the second math exam a student takes and the grade on the final exam? If there is a relationship, what is the relationship, and how strong is it?

In another example, your income may be determined by your education, your profession, your years of experience, and your ability. The amount you pay a repair person for labor is often determined by an initial amount plus an hourly fee.

The type of data described in the examples is bivariate data—bi—for two variables. In reality, statisticians use multivariate data, meaning many variables.

In this chapter, you will study the simplest form of regression—linear regression—with one independent variable (x). This involves data that fit a line in two dimensions. You will also study correlation, which measures the strength of a relationship.

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