The following information regarding a dependent variable y and an independent variable x is provided: The total sum of squares (SST) is
A) -156.
B) 234.
C) 1870.
D) 1974.

Question

The following information regarding a dependent variable y and an independent variable x is provided:  ​ The total sum of squares (SST) is
A) -156. 
B) 234. 
C) 1870. 
D) 1974.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Without more information, we cannot assume that the total sum of squares is negative (option A is incorrect). 
Since we don't know the sample size, we cannot calculate the variance or standard deviation, and therefore, we cannot calculate the mean squared error (MSE). 
The SST is calculated as the sum of the squared deviations of the dependent variable from its mean (i.e., the total variation in y). Given that we don't have access to the data, we cannot calculate SST directly. 
Thus, we can only choose the option that's feasible. Option D is the only positive integer, so it's likely to be the correct answer.

The Following Information Regarding a Dependent Variable Y and an Independent