A statistical technique used for predicting one variable from another. The statistical process of finding the linear equation that produces the most accurate predicted values for Y using one predictor variable, X.
Predictor Variable
In a correlational study, a researcher often is interested in the relationship between two variables to use knowledge about one variable to help predict or explain the second variable. The first variable is called the predictor variable.
Criterion Variable
In a correlational study, a researcher often is interested in the relationship between two variables to use knowledge about one variable to help predict or explain the second variable (being explained or predicted) is called the criterion variable.