A Study of Obesity Risk in Children in a Head

Multiple Choice

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. The food scores ranged from 45 to 245. Which feature, supported by the scatterplot, is important to determine if a linear regression model can be used?

A) scatter of points around a straight line
B) even spread at each value of food score
C) correlation between BMI percentiles for subjects with similar food scores
D) options (a) and (b) only