Database Reference
In-Depth Information
box, and X1 through X15 to the “Independents(s)” box (even though you would have
to scroll through them to see them all.) Now we deviate from simply clicking “OK,”
which would get us the output we obtained earlier in Figure 10.12 .
Now, here's the key to performing stepwise regression versus regular mul-
tiple regression: We need to change what is labeled in the Linear Regression dialog
box as “Method” (see arrow in Figure 10.13 ). When we pull down that menu, we
obtain the circled options that are displayed in Figure 10.14 :
FIGURE 10.14
The different linear regression methods available; SPSS.
SIDEBAR: WHAT ARE THOSE OTHER METHODS, ANYWAY?
As you see in Figure 10.14 , there are other choices, beside Stepwise . We do not believe that there is
any merit in choosing Forward ; that is equivalent to Stepwise , except that once a variable is in the
equation, it cannot be deleted. We believe that the deletion provision of Stepwise is something you
should normally want. The choice, Remove , is basically Stepwise in reverse. You start with an equa-
tion with ALL the eligible variables and keep removing the least signiicant variable at each stage,
until all the variables left are signiicant and then the process stops; however, it may occur that a vari-
able that is removed ends up back in the equation, perhaps becoming signiicant after other variables
have left the equation—the counterpart of a variable in Stepwise that enters the equation, but later gets
deleted. General wisdom suggests that Remove is equally good as Stepwise , but Stepwise is more well
known and is far more popular. The two methods often yield the same inal equation (and it is this last
step result that matters!!), or an equation that is quite similar, and, in cases where the inal equation
is not the same, the predictions resulting from the two equations (i.e., from the two methods) would
usually be nearly the same. Backward is Remove without the option of bringing back a variable that
becomes signiicant after leaving the equation—analogous to the relationship of Forward to Stepwise .
 
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