In regression analysis, which variable is predicted by the model?

In regression analysis, the variable that is predicted by the model is the dependent variable. This is the outcome or response variable that researchers are interested in explaining or predicting based on the influence of one or more independent variables. The relationship is established through the regression equation, which estimates how changes in the independent variables affect the dependent variable.

Independent variables are the predictors or explanatory variables; they are used to forecast the dependent variable's value but are not what is being predicted themselves. Control variables, on the other hand, are included in the analysis to account for potential confounding factors that might influence the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Random variables generally refer to outcomes that are subject to random variation and are not specific to regression analysis.

By correctly identifying the dependent variable, one can understand the main focus of the regression analysis and how various factors contribute to changes in that main outcome.