3-4 2 Regression is different from Correlation If we say y and x are correlated, it means that we are treating y and x in a completely symmetrical way. In regression, we treat the dependent variable v) and the independent variable(s('s)very differently. The y variable is assumed to be random or "stochastic" in some way, i.e. to have a probability distribution. The x variables are. however. assumed to have fixed (non-stochastic)values in repeated samples Regression as a tool is more flexible and powerful than correlation3-4 2 Regression is different from Correlation • If we say y and x are correlated, it means that we are treating y and x in a completely symmetrical way. • In regression, we treat the dependent variable (y) and the independent variable(s) (x’s) very differently. The y variable is assumed to be random or “stochastic” in some way, i.e. to have a probability distribution. The x variables are, however, assumed to have fixed (“non-stochastic”) values in repeated samples. • Regression as a tool is more flexible and powerful than correlation