In a study linking weight and pulse rate, what does a positive residual indicate?

In a study linking weight and pulse rate, what does a positive residual indicate?

• A. The model underestimates pulse rate
• B. The model accurately predicts pulse rate
• C. The model overestimates pulse rate
• D. Weight has no effect on pulse rate

Answer: (A)

A positive residual indicates that the actual value of the pulse rate is greater than what the model predicted. In the context of this study, if the model provides a prediction for pulse rate based on weight, a positive residual suggests that for a specific observation, the model underestimated the pulse rate. This discrepancy indicates that the model did not account for all factors affecting pulse rate as accurately as it could have, leading to a lower prediction than the actual measurement. Understanding this helps highlight the relationship between the variables more clearly and indicates areas where the model may need refinement to better capture the true relationship between weight and pulse rate.

A positive residual indicates that the actual value of the pulse rate is greater than what the model predicted. In the context of this study, if the model provides a prediction for pulse rate based on weight, a positive residual suggests that for a specific observation, the model underestimated the pulse rate. This discrepancy indicates that the model did not account for all factors affecting pulse rate as accurately as it could have, leading to a lower prediction than the actual measurement. Understanding this helps highlight the relationship between the variables more clearly and indicates areas where the model may need refinement to better capture the true relationship between weight and pulse rate.