Discuss the reasons and situations in which researchers would want to use linear regression. How would a researcher know whether linear regression would be the appropriate statistical technique to use? What are some of the benefits of fitting the relationship between two variables to an equation for a straight line?

Describe the error in the conclusion. Given: There is a linear correlation between the number of cigarettes smoked and the pulse rate. As the number of cigarettes increases the pulse rate increases. Conclusion: Cigarettes cause the pulse rate to increase. Discuss causation vs. relationships.