In regression, which variable is typically considered the independent variable?

In regression analysis, the variable that is typically considered the independent variable is the explanatory variable. This variable is used to explain variations in the dependent variable, which is often referred to as the response variable.

The explanatory variable is manipulated or controlled to observe how it influences the response variable. For example, if we are investigating how study time (the explanatory variable) affects exam scores (the response variable), we analyze the relationship between these two variables to determine how changes in study time impact the scores achieved.

This distinction is essential in regression because identifying the roles of the variables helps in modeling the relationship accurately and understanding the effect of the explanatory variable on the response variable.