In the context of regression analysis, what is the dependent variable?

In regression analysis, the dependent variable is essentially the outcome or the variable that is being predicted based on the influence of one or more independent variables. It is the response variable that researchers are particularly interested in measuring. In any regression framework, the goal is to understand how changes in the independent variables affect the dependent variable.

This dynamic illustrates the relationship between the dependent variable and independent variables, where the independent variables serve as predictors or factors influencing the dependent variable’s value. Understanding this relationship allows for insights and forecasts relevant to the data being analyzed, making it crucial to distinguish the dependent variable in any regression context.

The other types of variables mentioned, such as those that are manipulated, constant, or correlate to the independent variable, have distinct roles in research and analysis but do not serve as a definition of the dependent variable itself.