Think Better · 45 sec
Regression toward the mean
A compact thinking tool for spotting patterns and avoiding mistakes.
The useful idea
- The useful idea
In statistics, regression toward the mean (also called regression to the mean, reversion to the mean, and reversion to mediocrity) is the phenomenon where if one sample of a random variable is extreme,
- How it works
the next sampling of the same random variable is likely to be closer to its mean.
- Why it matters
Furthermore, when many random variables are sampled and the most extreme results are intentionally picked out, it refers to the fact that (in many cases) a second sampling of these picked-out variables
Why this matters
Use Regression toward the mean as a quick check before trusting your first conclusion.
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Use Regression toward the mean as a quick check before trusting your first conclusion.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Regression toward the mean?
- Why it matters
- How it works
- The useful idea — correct
In statistics, regression toward the mean (also called regression to the mean, reversion to the mean, and reversion to mediocrity) is the phenomenon where if one sample of a random variable is extreme,