Types of Regression Analysis

There are two main types of regression analysis techniques that can be applied, depending primarily upon the complexity of the relationships being analyzed: 1) simple linear regression and 2) multiple linear regression. Linear regression analysis, also known as simple linear regression, is applying regression techniques to analyze the relationship between a dependent variable and only one independent or explanatory variable. Multiple regression analysis uses the same fundamental statistical method, but analyzes situations where more than one explanatory variable is thought to be predictive of the dependent variable. Although there are other regression techniques that can be applied in more complex instances, the focus of this book is to provide an introduction to basic statistical tools. Therefore, our discussion will be limited to simple linear regression—the most basic form of regression analysis.