Understanding Regression Analysis

Understanding Regression Analysis: An Introductory Guide by Larry D. Schroeder, David L. Sjoquist, and Paula E. Stephan presents the fundamentals of regression analysis, from its meaning to uses, in a concise, easy-to-read, and non-technical style. It illustrates how regression coefficients are estimated, interpreted, and used in a variety of settings within the social sciences, business, law, and public policy. Packed with applied examples and using few equations, the book walks readers through elementary material using a verbal, intuitive interpretation of regression coefficients, associated statistics, and hypothesis tests. The Second Edition features updated examples and new references to modern software output.

By assuming it is possible to understand regression analysis without fully comprehending all its underlying proofs and theories, this introduction to the widely used statistical technique is accessible to readers who may have only a rudimentary knowledge of mathematics. Chapters discuss: -descriptive statistics using vector notation and the components of a simple regression model; -the logic of sampling distributions and simple hypothesis testing; -the basic operations of matrix algebra and the properties of the multiple regression model; -testing compound hypotheses and the application of the regression model to the analyses of variance and covariance, and -structural equation models and influence statistics.

Providing beginners with a background to the frequently-used technique of linear regression, this text provides a heuristic explanation of the procedures and terms used in regression analysis and has been written at the most elementary level.

Understanding Regression Analysis unifies diverse regression applications including the classical model, ANOVA models, generalized models including Poisson, Negative binomial, logistic, and survival, neural networks, and decision trees under a common umbrella -- namely, the conditional distribution model. It explains why the conditional distribution model is the correct model, and it also explains (proves) why the assumptions of the classical regression model are wrong. Unlike other regression books, this one from the outset takes a realistic approach that all models are just approximations. Hence, the emphasis is to model Nature’s processes realistically, rather than to assume (incorrectly) that Nature works in particular, constrained ways. Key features of the book include: Numerous worked examples using the R software Key points and self-study questions displayed "just-in-time" within chapters Simple mathematical explanations ("baby proofs") of key concepts Clear explanations and applications of statistical significance (p-values), incorporating the American Statistical Association guidelines Use of "data-generating process" terminology rather than "population" Random-X framework is assumed throughout (the fixed-X case is presented as a special case of the random-X case) Clear explanations of probabilistic modelling, including likelihood-based methods Use of simulations throughout to explain concepts and to perform data analyses This book has a strong orientation towards science in general, as well as chapter-review and self-study questions, so it can be used as a textbook for research-oriented students in the social, biological and medical, and physical and engineering sciences. As well, its mathematical emphasis makes it ideal for a text in mathematics and statistics courses. With its numerous worked examples, it is also ideally suited to be a reference book for all scientists.

This book is an introduction to regression analysis, focusing on the practicalities of doing regression analysis on real-life data. Contrary to other textbooks on regression, this book is based on the idea that you do not necessarily need to know much about statistics and mathematics to get a firm grip on regression and perform it to perfection. This non-technical point of departure is complemented by practical examples of real-life data analysis using statistics software such as Stata, R and SPSS. Parts 1 and 2 of the book cover the basics, such as simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, how to interpret the output from statistics programs, significance testing and the key regression assumptions. Part 3 deals with how to practically handle violations of the classical linear regression assumptions, regression modeling for categorical y-variables and instrumental variable (IV) regression. Part 4 puts the various purposes of, or motivations for, regression into the wider context of writing a scholarly report and points to some extensions to related statistical techniques. This book is written primarily for those who need to do regression analysis in practice, and not only to understand how this method works in theory. The book’s accessible approach is recommended for students from across the social sciences.

The technique of regression analysis is used so often in business and economics today that an understanding of its use is necessary for almost everyone engaged in the field. This book will teach you the essential elements of building and understanding regression models in a business/economic context in an intuitive manner. The authors take a non-theoretical treatment that is accessible even if you have a limited statistical background. It is specifically designed to teach the correct use of regression, while advising you of its limitations and teaching about common pitfalls. This book describes exactly how regression models are developed and evaluated —where real data is used, instead of contrived textbook-like problems. Completing this book will allow you to understand and build basic business/economic models using regression analysis. You will be able to interpret the output of those models and you will be able to evaluate the models for accuracy and shortcomings. Even if you never build a model yourself, at some point in your career it is likely that you will find it necessary to interpret one; this book will make that possible. Included are instructions for using Microsoft Excel to build business/economic models using regression analysis with an appendix using screen shots and step-by-step instructions.

Intuitively understand regression analysis by focusing on concepts and graphs rather than equations and formulas. I use everyday language so you can grasp regression at a deeper level. Progress from a beginner to a skilled practitioner. Learn practical tips for performing your analysis and interpreting the results. Feel confident that you're analyzing your data properly and able to trust your results. Know that you can detect and correct problems that arise. Includes access to free downloadable datasets for the examples. Learn the following: How regression works and when to use it. Selecting the correct type of regression analysis. Specifying the best model. Understanding main effects, interaction effects, and modeling curvature. Interpreting the results. Assessing the fit of the model. Generating predictions and evaluating their precision. Checking the assumptions and resolving issues. Examples of different types of regression analyses.

Doing Meta-Analysis with R: A Hands-On Guide serves as an accessible introduction on how meta-analyses can be conducted in R. Essential steps for meta-analysis are covered, including calculation and pooling of outcome measures, forest plots, heterogeneity diagnostics, subgroup analyses, meta-regression, methods to control for publication bias, risk of bias assessments and plotting tools. Advanced but highly relevant topics such as network meta-analysis, multi-three-level meta-analyses, Bayesian meta-analysis approaches and SEM meta-analysis are also covered. A companion R package, dmetar, is introduced at the beginning of the guide. It contains data sets and several helper functions for the meta and metafor package used in the guide. The programming and statistical background covered in the book are kept at a non-expert level, making the book widely accessible. Features • Contains two introductory chapters on how to set up an R environment and do basic imports/manipulations of meta-analysis data, including exercises • Describes statistical concepts clearly and concisely before applying them in R • Includes step-by-step guidance through the coding required to perform meta-analyses, and a companion R package for the book