Explanatory variable

The variable, of the two variables in bivariate data, knowledge of which may provide information about the other variable, the response variable. Knowledge of the explanatory variable may be used to predict values of the response variable, or changes in the explanatory variable may be used to predict how the response variable will change.

If the bivariate data result from an experiment, then the explanatory variable is the one whose values can be manipulated or selected by the experimenter.

In a scatter plot, as part of a linear regression analysis, the explanatory variable is placed on the x-axis (horizontal axis).

Alternatives: independent variable, input variable, predictor variable.

Curriculum achievement objectives reference

Statistical investigation: Level 8

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