A study of obesity risk in children in a head start program used a food score calculated from a 45-question food survey to predict body mass index (BMI) percentile in these children 18 months after the initial survey. The study enrolled 20 children. The researchers used a linear regression model for the prediction of BMI percentile with food scores ranging between 45 and 245. The least-squares estimates were slope = 0.29 and intercept = 18.3. If child A has a food score of 145 and child B has a food score of 180, then the difference in BMI percentile between child B and child A is:
A)10.15.
B)0.29.
C)18.3.
D)28.45.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference in BMI percentile between child B and child A is calculated using the slope of the linear regression model. The difference in their food scores is 180 - 145 = 35. Multiplying this difference by the slope (0.29) gives 35 * 0.29 = 10.15.

A Study of Obesity Risk in Children in a Head