An Economist Is in the Process of Developing a Model $\left( x _ { 1 } \right)$

question 36

Essay

An economist is in the process of developing a model to predict the price of gold. She believes that the two most important variables are the price of a barrel of oil $\left( x _ { 1 } \right)$ and the interest rate $\left( x _ { 2 } \right)$ She proposes the first-order model with interaction: $y = \beta _ { 0 } + \beta _ { 1 } x _ { 1 } + \beta _ { 2 } x _ { 2 } + \beta _ { 3 } x _ { 1 } x _ { 3 } + \varepsilon$ .
A random sample of 20 daily observations was taken. The computer output is shown below.
THE REGRESSION EQUATION IS $y =$ $115.6 + 22.3 x _ { 1 } + 14.7 x _ { 2 } - 1.36 x _ { 1 } x _ { 2 }$ . $$\begin{array} { | c | r r c | } \hline \text { Predictor } & \text { Coef } & \text { SiDev } & T \\\hline \text { Constant } & 115.6 & 78.1 & 1.480 \\x _ { 1 } & 22.3 & 7.1 & 3.141 \\x _ { 2 } & 14.7 & 6.3 & 2.333 \\x _ { 1 } x _ { 2 } & - 1.36 & 0.52 & - 2.615 \\\hline\end{array}$$ S = 20.9 R-Sq = 55.4%. $$\begin{array}{l}\text { ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE }\\\begin{array} { | l | r r r c | } \hline \text { Source of Variation } & d f & \text { SS } & \text { MS } & F \\\hline \text { Regression } & 3 & 8661 & 2887.0 & 6.626 \\\text { Error } & 16 & 6971 & 435.7 & \\\hline \text { Total } & 19 & 15632 & & \\\hline\end{array}\end{array}$$ Is there sufficient evidence at the 1% significance level to conclude that the interest rate and the price of gold are linearly related?

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Definitions:

Pectoralis Minor

A thin, triangular muscle located beneath the pectoralis major in the chest, which aids in movements of the shoulder.

Spinous Processes

Projections of the vertebrae that point backward and downward, serving as attachment points for muscles and ligaments.

Vertebrae

The individual bones that make up the vertebral column, providing structural support and protecting the spinal cord.

Levator Scapulae

A skeletal muscle situated at the back and side of the neck, its primary function is to elevate the scapula.