MHB Can Categorical Variables be Used in Multiple Regression Models?

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Categorical variables cannot be directly included in multiple regression models as they are not quantitative. In the discussed regression model, the dependent variable Y (grams of seed) can include continuous predictors such as the number of fruit and field number, but not categorical variables like type of fruit. To incorporate categorical data, one must convert it into a numerical format, typically through techniques like dummy coding. The inability to mix categorical and continuous variables directly in the regression setup is a key point. Properly preparing the data is essential for accurate analysis in regression modeling.
smp
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Hello, I am trying to do the following regression model;

Y = N + T + F + NT + NF + NTF + error

Y= Grams of seed
N= Number of fruit
T= Type of fruit (2 types, alpha)
F= Field number (3)

I have tried putting this in MiniTab and I can't get this set up correctly.
Assistant> Regression> Multiple Regression

Y= Grams of Seed

Continuous X Variable= Number of Fruit, Field Number - but I can't select Type since they are words and not numbers. .

Categorical X value is optional- should I put Type here?

Thank You
 
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Hi smp, welcome to MHB!

This looks like a trick question.
We can indeed not add a type and number together. That is, it is not possible to evaluate something like "apple" + 2.
More generally, a multiple linear regression requires that all variables are quatitative (interval or ratio). That excludes categorical.
 
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