In: Statistics and Probability
4. How should a researcher specify a multiple linear regression model? In answering this question, you should be sure to draw on your overall knowledge of econometrics in order to consider not only how a researcher should specify an initial model, but also how a researcher should assess the performance of an initial model and thereby iterate towards a final model.
In predictive analysis, multiple linear regression is used to describing data and to explain the relationship between one dependent variable and two or more independent variables. It consists of three stages: 1) analyzing the correlation and directionality of the data, 2) estimating the model, i.e., fitting the line, and 3) evaluating the validity and usefulness of the model.
Firstly, it might be used to identify the strength of the effect that the independent variables have on a dependent variable.
Secondly, it can be used to forecast the effects or impacts of changes. That is to say, multiple linear regression analysis helps us to understand how much the dependent variable will change when we change the independent variables.
Thirdly, multiple linear regression analysis predicts trends and future values. The multiple linear regression analysis can be used to get point estimates.