Multiple linear regression.

Publication Summary

This chapter provides a brief and basic introduction to regression techniques and to the use of several variables in one consolidated analysis, focusing here on multiple linear regression. There are, of course, many other kinds of regression and even more ways of conducting multiple variable analysis, and some of these are referenced later in the chapter. However, most of the advice given in this chapter, about interpretation and judgement for example, would apply equally to all of these other techniques of analysis as well. For the benefit of some readers the chapter starts with a reprise of the ideas of correlation and two-variable regression (see examples in Chapter 16). The next section describes a basic multiple linear regression, and ensuing sections look at the interpretation of results and some of the potential dangers of being misled.