Regression analysis is an inferential statistical method that develops equations (regression models) from empirical random samples to make predictions about the values of a dependent variable (outcome, response) based on the values of one or more independent variables (covariates, explanatory variables, predictors) with known probabilities of accuracy. If there is more than one independent variable the method is referred to as multiple regression. There are two major classes of regression – parametric and non‐parametric. Parametric regression requires choice of the regression equation with one or a greater number of unknown parameters. Linear regression, in which a linear relationship between the dependent variable and independent variables is posited, is an example. The aim of parametric regression is to find the values of these parameters which provide the best fit to the data. The number of parameters is usually much smaller than the number of...
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© 2008 Springer-Verlag
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(2008). Regression Analysis. In: Kirch, W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Public Health. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5614-7_2959
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5614-7_2959
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-5613-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-4020-5614-7
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