Regression Toward The Mean (Noun)
Meaning
The relation between selected values of x and observed values of y (from which the most probable value of y can be predicted for any value of x).
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The unusually high IQ scores of the children of highly intelligent parents can be explained by the phenomenon of regression toward the mean.
- The company's profits may have been unusually high last year, but we expect a regression toward the mean in the coming year.
- Studies have shown that student performances on IQ tests are subject to regression toward the mean over a period of time.
- The regression toward the mean can be observed in the decreasing effectiveness of some medications over time.
- The stock market analyst's unusually successful predictions in the previous quarter were likely due to chance and will be subject to regression toward the mean in the coming quarter.