Regression analysis is a mathematical process in statistics that allows you to discover trends in the data you're examining. Regression analysis allows you to determine the relationship between the outcome of a situation and the variables that affect that outcome. You can use regression analysis to sort out the dependent and independent variables that make a larger difference in the outcome and those that don't affect the outcome as much. It also allows you to make educated judgments on which factors to ignore and which factors matter most when it comes to planning and decision making.