An attribute used to predict outcome values in a predictive model is called a(n) _________.

• A. Dependent variable
• B. Identifying variable
• C. Outcome variable
• D. Predictor variable

Answer: (B)

In predictive modeling, the attribute used to estimate the outcome is called a predictor variable. These are the features or independent variables that provide information to the model to help it forecast the target value. The outcome (or dependent) variable is what you’re trying to predict, not what you use to predict it. An identifying variable isn’t a standard term for prediction, and if it refers to an ID, it typically doesn’t contribute to predicting the outcome. So the best fit is predictor variable.