Data considerations for Random Forests^® Regression

To ensure that your results are valid, consider the following guidelines when you collect data, perform the analysis, and interpret your results.

The response variable should be continuous

A continuous variable can be measured and ordered, and has an infinite number of values between any two values. For example, the diameters of a sample of tires is a continuous variable.

The data for the response variable must be numeric values.

If your response variable is categorical, use Random Forests^® Classification.

Predictor variables may be continuous or categorical

You can use a combination of continuous or categorical predictors; however, the column lengths for each predictor must be the same length as the response column. Missing values are allowed.

• All continuous predictors must be numeric.
• Categorical predictors can be text or numeric values.