How do you interpret residuals in regression analysis?
In regression analysis, interpreting residuals—the differences between observed and predicted values—is crucial for model validation. Residuals reveal whether a model adequately captures the data's pattern or if there are underlying structures it fails to detect. A good fit is indicated by residuals that are randomly scattered around zero, showing that the model's predictions are unbiased. However, if residuals display a pattern, such as a curve or clustering, this suggests the model is missing a key variable or an interaction between variables. By examining residuals, you gain insights into potential model improvements and the reliability of your predictions.