STAT 311 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Bran, Scientific Control, Observational Study
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In these notes, we will consider the basics outline of a statistical study. First, we will distinguish between three kinds of variables used in studies: Response variable sometimes called the dependent variable. This is the variable whose behavior we want to explain, or whose value we want to predict. If we are investigating a cause and effect relationship, the response variable is the effect . If we are investigating the effect of attendance and grades, grade is the response effect. Predictor variable sometimes called the independent variable, or the explanatory variable. There may be more than one predictor variable. These are variables which we think will be useful in predicting or explaining the response. If we are investigating a cause and effect relationship, the predictor variable is the cause . For attendance vs. grades, the predictor variable is attendance. Covariate predictor variables that are not or primary scientific interest, but are thought to be related to the response variable.
