In a predictive model, what is the term for the variable being estimated?

In a predictive model, the variable being estimated is referred to as the dependent variable. This is because its value relies on or is dependent on the values of other variables in the model, which are known as independent variables. The purpose of a predictive model is to forecast the outcome of the dependent variable based on inputs from the independent variables.

The other terms mentioned do not accurately describe the variable being estimated. The independent variable is the one that influences or predicts the dependent variable but is not itself estimated. "Predicting" might suggest a process related to the model but does not correspond to a type of variable. "Supportive" does not have a specific meaning in this context and does not identify a category of variables. Hence, understanding the roles of these terms helps clarify why the term "dependent" is the correct identification for the variable being estimated in a predictive model.