Which statement accurately describes the nature of statistical regression?

Statistical regression is primarily concerned with modeling the relationship between one or more independent variables and a dependent variable. This modeling allows us to understand how changes in the independent variables are associated with changes in the dependent variable. Therefore, the statement that it helps identify relationships between variables accurately encapsulates the fundamental purpose of regression analysis.

Regression analysis can be employed for various types of relationships, whether linear or non-linear, and can be used to make predictions about future values based on those established relationships. This predictive capability is one of the key features of regression, which contradicts the idea that it cannot predict future trends. Additionally, while regression can be applied to qualitative data in some contexts, it is primarily used with quantitative data to better define and analyze these relationships.