The t ratio used in testing the difference between two independent regression coefficients is generalized to the multivariate case of testing the difference between two vectors of regression coefficients. This is particularly useful in determining which of two variables best predicts a number of criterion variables. (Author/JKS)

Data were simulated to conform to covariance patterns taken from personnel selection literature. Incomplete data matrices were treated by four methods. Treated matrices were subjected to multiple regression analyses. Resulting regression equations were compared to equations from original, complete data. Results supported using covariate…

Basic rules are suggested to replace the signed coefficient rule to infer the form of moderator effects in terms of slopes of regression lines. Steps are provided to interpret the form of moderator effects that can be achieved using only the regression coefficients of the predictor variable and interaction term. (SLD)

The Goodman technique of log linear analysis is ideal for family research, because it is designed for categorical (non-quantitative) variables. Variables are dichotomized (for example, married/divorced, childless/with children) or otherwise categorized (for example, level of permissiveness, life cycle stage). Contingency tables are then…

An empirical study of statistical overkill investigated the generalizability of multiple regression equations as a function of the subject/variable ratio. Data from various-sized groups of rehabilitation clients were used to develop the equations. Findings showed that equations developed on samples with less than a 10 to 1 ratio failed to…

Appropriate methods are described for research workers in sociology to use as they perform causal analyses of data from surveys. Particular emphasis is placed on the causal analysis of qualitative variables. (Author/DB)

The stepwise regression method of selecting predictors for computer assisted multiple regression analysis was compared with forward, backward, and best subsets regression, using 16 data sets. The results indicated the stepwise method was preferred because of its practical nature, when the models chosen by different selection methods were similar…

Bargmann's test for examining the statistical significance of simple structure in factor analysis, an extension of the original significance tables, and the application of the significance test to several noted factor analytic findings are described. Using Bargmann's test, only 2 of 25 factor analytic studies reviewed are considered acceptable.…

The purpose of this study was to generate descriptive statistical estimates regarding the expected proportion of occurrence of each of the PROANA 5 (Process Analysis) variables (line usage, clique group, detrimental clique group, leadership, and dominance) in small group communication. A second purpose was to determine the expected pattern of…

This study was designed to determine whether adjustments for the differential prediction observed among sex, racial/ethnic, or age subgroups in one freshman class at a college could be used to improve prediction accuracy for these subgroups in future freshman classes. (Author/LMO)

Rules are given for estimating accuracy of predictions based on a multiple regression equation. Formulas for moments of distribution and other parameters are noted. The approximate inflation in mean absolute error due to estimating the regression coefficients is a function of the base sample size and number of predictors. (DWH)

This paper discusses the principles underlying discriminant analysis and constructs a simulated data set to illustrate its methods. Discriminant analysis is a multivariate technique for identifying the best combination of variables to maximally discriminate between groups. Discriminant functions are established on existing groups and used to…

A dichotomous dependent variable is used to determine a combination of variables that will predict group membership. Dichotomous variables are frequently encountered in multiple regression analysis. However, several textbooks question the appropriateness of using multiple regression analysis when analyzing dichotomous dependent variables. The…

An empirical method called Predicted Error Sum of Squares (PRESS) is advanced and studied. This method is used to examine the cross-validated prediction accuracies of some popular algorithms for weighted predictor variables. The weighting methods that were considered were ordinary least squares, ridge regression, regression on principal…

Multivariate methods were used to identify between-set factors relating the criterion set of eleven Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised subtest variables to the predictor set of demographic variables: age, race, sex, education, occupation, geographic region, and urban versus rural residence. Although factor analysis is usually used to…