Identification and explication of construct relationships, under conditions of extraneous variable control in multiple regression and its multivariate analog, canonical analysis, were studied. Several data models were generated as a function of the interaction of partial correlation and orthogonal linear transformations on nursing examination scores. Multiple regression and canonical analysis procedures were then applied seeking maximum clarity of the underlying relationships. Discussion was concerned with the combinations of analytic techniques that might enhance a researcher's ability to identify and explain salient relationships. (Author/MV)