In the context of regression analysis, what does "rise over run" refer to?

In regression analysis, "rise over run" is a phrase commonly used to describe the calculation of the slope of a line, including the regression line. The slope represents the rate of change of the dependent variable (often denoted as Y) with respect to changes in the independent variable (often denoted as X).

Specifically, "rise" refers to the change in the Y values (the vertical change), while "run" refers to the change in the X values (the horizontal change). Therefore, the slope is calculated as the change in Y divided by the change in X, or mathematically, it’s expressed as (ΔY/ΔX). This slope provides insights into how much Y is expected to increase (or decrease) when X increases by one unit.

Understanding this concept is crucial in regression analysis, as it helps analysts interpret the relationship between variables, making it easier to inform decisions based on the data. The other terms, such as mean values, intercept, and sum of squares, relate to different aspects of regression analysis and do not specifically pertain to the concept of "rise over run."