A residual plot is a graph that is used to examine the goodness-of-fit in regression and ANOVA. Examining residual plots helps you determine whether the ordinary least squares assumptions are being met. If these assumptions are satisfied, then ordinary least squares regression will produce unbiased coefficient estimates with the minimum variance.
Which residual plots are included in Minitab?
Minitab provides the following residual plots:
Histogram
of residuals
Use the histogram of residuals to determine whether the data are skewed or whether outliers exist in the data.
Normal probability plot of residuals
Use the normal plot of residuals to verify the assumption that the residuals are normally distributed.
Note
To include the Anderson Darling test with the plot, go to File > Options > Linear Models > Residual Plots and check Include Anderson-Darling test with normal plot. However, Minitab does not display the test when there are less than 3 degrees of freedom for error.
Residuals versus fits
Use the residuals versus fits plot to verify the assumption that the residuals have a constant variance.
Residuals versus order of data
Use the residuals versus order plot to verify the assumption that the residuals are uncorrelated with each other.