Question

Researchers used a simple linear regression model to study relationship between daily servings of fruits and vegetables and blood cholesterol levels (mg/mL), and found the regression coefficient is -2.2 (i.e. negative 2.2). What is the correct interpretation of the coefficient?

Answer 1

From the given data that is Researchers used a simple linear regression model to study relationship between daily servings of fruits and vegetables and blood cholesterol levels (mg/mL), and found the regression coefficient is -2.2 (i.e. negative 2.2)

The correct interpretation of the coefficient

A coefficient of -2.2 means that the linear regression model approximates that as the number of daily servings of fruits and vegetable increases by 1 serving, the blood cholesterol levels will decrease by 2.2 (mg/mL). Regression analyses can not be interpreted as establishing cause-and-effect relationships. They can indicate only how or to what extent variables are associated with each other. Any conclusions about a cause-and-effect relationship must be based on the judgment of the analyst.