a resistor can use in electronic circuits for so many applications like to joint two components, to seperate two components, to prevent a component from grtting too hot, to allow a capacitor charge quickly or slowly.
so, most probably resistors are selected based on application , where we want to palce it. and for what type of operation we are using.
but resistance value selects on ohms law, if you know voltage and current it is easy to choose the resistance value. with V=IR formula.
important considerations are tolarance value and power factor.