APA Dictionary of Psychology

a regression analysis in which the predictor or independent variables (xs) are assumed to be related to the criterion or dependent variable (y) in such a manner that increases in an x variable result in consistent increases in the y variable. In other words, the direction and rate of change of one variable is constant with respect to changes in the other variable. The analysis yields a regression equation that includes an intercept and regression coefficients for the predictors. Compare nonlinear regression.