Linear regression is a statistical technique used to model and analyze the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables.
Simple linear regression involves a single independent variable and aims to establish a linear relationship between this variable and the dependent variable. It assumes that changes in the independent variable predict changes in the dependent variable in a straight-line manner. For example, it might be used to predict a person’s weight based on their height.
Multiple linear regression, on the other hand, involves two or more independent variables and is used to understand how multiple factors simultaneously influence the dependent variable. This method extends the concept of simple linear regression by incorporating multiple predictors, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of how various factors interact and contribute to the outcome. For instance, it could be used to predict house prices based on factors like square footage, number of bedrooms, and location.
Both techniques are valuable for identifying trends, making predictions, and understanding relationships between variables, though multiple linear regression offers a more nuanced view by accounting for the impact of several variables at once.