Interaction Terms – Learn It 3

  • Know what an interaction term is and use a scatterplot to understand the interaction effects
  • Write appropriate multiple linear regression model equations for categorical predictors and interaction terms

interaction term

An interaction occurs when an explanatory variable has a different effect on the response variable, depending on the values of another explanatory variable.

An interaction term is a variable that represents an interaction between two variables.

A scatterplot and its regression lines can reveal the presence or absence of interactions among explanatory variables. 
To understand potential interaction effects, compare the regression lines from the interaction plot:
  • If the regression lines are parallel, there is no interaction.
  • If the regression lines are not parallel, there is an interaction.
Step 1: Upload the data set “Pulse Rate” into the statistical tool below
Step 2: Select “Weight” as the X-Variable, “Pulse1” as the Y-Variable, and “Exercise” as the Grouping Variable
Step 3: Click the Regression Line box


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