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Will@Recent Questions - Mathematics Stack Exchange - 25d
A recent analysis has delved into the probabilistic interpretation of linear regression coefficients, highlighting the differences in reasoning when using expected values versus covariances. It has been shown that when calculating regression coefficients, employing expected values leads to correct formulations that correspond to the ordinary least squares (OLS) method. Specifically, the formula a=E[XY]/E[X^2] is derived using the expected value of the product of the independent and dependent variables. This approach aligns with the traditional understanding of linear regression where a model is expressed as Y=aX+ε, with ε being a centered error term independent of X.
However, using covariances for the probabilistic interpretation fails, especially in models without an intercept term. While covariance is often used to calculate the correlation between variables, the derived formula a=cov(X,Y)/var(X) does not align with the correct regression coefficient when there isn't an intercept. This divergence arises because the assumption of an intercept is implicit when using covariance, and its absence invalidates the formula using covariance. The study clarifies how formulas are derived in both scenarios and why the probabilistic reasoning fails when using covariances in situations where there is no intercept included in the model. The use of empirical means versus population means was also discussed to explore the nuances further.
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@ameer-saleem.medium.com - 31d
Recent discussions and articles have highlighted the importance of linear regression as a foundational tool in statistical modeling and predictive analysis. This classic approach, while simple, remains a powerful technique for understanding relationships between variables, using both theoretical frameworks and practical demonstrations. The core concept of linear regression involves finding a best-fit line that helps predict a dependent variable based on one or more independent variables. This method is applicable across many fields for forecasting, estimation, and understanding the impact of factors within datasets.
Linear regression models, at their basic core, use equations to describe these relationships. For a simple linear regression with one independent variable, this is represented as Y = wX + b where Y is the predicted variable, X is the input variable, w is the weight, and b is the bias. In more complex models, multiple variables are taken into account with equations extended to Y = w1X1 + w2X2 + … + wnXn + b. Practical implementation often involves using programming languages like R, with packages that can easily produce regression models, statistical summaries, and visualizations for analysis, data preperation and exploration.
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@medium.com - 39d
Statistical analysis is a key component in understanding data, with visualizations like boxplots commonly used. However, boxplots can be misleading if not interpreted carefully, as they can oversimplify data distributions and hide critical details. Additional visual tools such as stripplots and violinplots should be considered to show the full distribution of data, especially when dealing with datasets where quartiles appear similar but underlying distributions are different. These tools help to reveal gaps and variations that boxplots might obscure, making for a more robust interpretation.
Another crucial aspect of statistical analysis involves addressing missing data, which is a frequent challenge in real-world datasets. The nature of missing data—whether it's completely at random (MCAR), missing at random (MAR), or missing not at random (MNAR)—significantly impacts how it should be handled. Identifying the mechanism behind missing data is critical for choosing the appropriate analytical strategy, preventing bias in the analysis. Additionally, robust regression methods are valuable as they are designed to handle outliers and anomalies that can skew results in traditional regressions.
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