What is Exploratory Factor Analysis?

What is Exploratory Factor Analysis?

Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) is a statistical technique used to uncover the underlying structure or patterns in a dataset, particularly when dealing with a large number of variables. It aims to identify the underlying factors that explain the correlations among observed variables. Here’s how exploratory factor analysis works: Data Preparation: EFA typically begins with a dataset containing multiple observed variables (e.g., survey items, test scores). Factor Extraction: The goal of factor extraction is to identify a smaller number of underlying…

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What is multinomial logistic regression?

What is multinomial logistic regression?

Multinomial logistic regression is a statistical method used to model the relationship between one or more independent variables and a categorical dependent variable with more than two unordered categories. It is an extension of binary logistic regression to situations where the outcome variable has multiple categories that are not ordered. In multinomial logistic regression, the dependent variable is categorical and nominal, meaning the categories have no natural ordering. Examples of such variables include types of diseases (e.g., cancer types), political…

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What is ordinal logistic regression?

What is ordinal logistic regression?

Ordinal logistic regression is a statistical method used to model the relationship between one or more independent variables and an ordinal dependent variable. It is an extension of binary logistic regression to situations where the outcome variable has more than two ordered categories but maintains the ordinal nature of the categories. In ordinal logistic regression, the dependent variable is categorical and ordinal, meaning it has a natural ordering but the intervals between categories may not be equal. For example, Likert…

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How do I choose the correct statistical test?

How do I choose the correct statistical test?

Choosing the correct statistical analysis is crucial for obtaining meaningful and valid results in a research study. Here are some steps to guide you in selecting the appropriate statistical analysis: Define Your Research Question: Clearly articulate your research question or hypothesis. The nature of your question will influence the type of statistical analysis needed. Questions generally fall into one of three types: descriptive, correlational/predictive and cause/effect or experimental. Understand Your Data: Examine the characteristics of your data, including the type…

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What are best practices for dealing with missing data?

What are best practices for dealing with missing data?

Dealing with missing data is a critical aspect of statistical analysis, and it requires careful consideration to ensure the validity and reliability of study results. Here are some best practices for handling missing data: Understand the Mechanism of Missingness: Determine whether the missing data is missing completely at random (MCAR), missing at random (MAR), or missing not at random (MNAR). Understanding the mechanism can guide the choice of appropriate imputation methods. Explore Patterns of Missing Data: Examine patterns of missingness…

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What is effect size?

What is effect size?

The concept of effect size is crucial in interpreting the practical significance of statistical results. Effect size measures the magnitude or strength of the relationship or difference observed in a statistical analysis. It provides a standardized way to quantify the extent to which a particular phenomenon or intervention has an impact in the population. In the context of biostatistics, effect size is often used to express the size of a treatment effect, the strength of an association between variables, or…

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What is the Independent t-test?

What is the Independent t-test?

The independent t-test, also known as the two-sample t-test, is a statistical method used to compare the means of two independent groups to determine if there is a significant difference between them. It is commonly used in research and experimental studies to assess whether the means of two groups are statistically different from each other. The key assumptions of the independent t-test include: Normal Distribution: The data within each group should be approximately normally distributed. Homogeneity of Variances: The variances…

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What is hierarchical multiple regression?

What is hierarchical multiple regression?

Hierarchical multiple regression is a statistical method used in regression analysis to explore the relationship between a dependent variable and multiple independent variables while accounting for the influence of different sets of variables in a specific order or hierarchy. The term “hierarchical” indicates that the independent variables are entered into the regression equation in a specific sequence based on theoretical or practical considerations. Here’s a general overview of how hierarchical multiple regression works: Stepwise Entry of Variables: Variables are grouped…

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What is multiple linear regression?

What is multiple linear regression?

Multiple linear regression is a statistical method used to model the relationship between multiple independent variables and a single dependent variable. In simple linear regression, there is only one independent variable, but in multiple linear regression, there are two or more independent variables. The basic idea behind multiple linear regression is to understand how changes in the independent variables are associated with changes in the dependent variable while controlling for the effects of other variables. The relationship is expressed through…

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What is logistic regression?

What is logistic regression?

Logistic regression is a statistical method used for binary classification, a type of supervised learning. In binary classification, the goal is to predict the outcome of a categorical dependent variable that has two possible outcomes, usually coded as 0 and 1. For example, it can be used to predict whether an email is spam (1) or not spam (0), whether a student will pass (1) or fail (0) an exam, etc. Despite its name, logistic regression is used for classification,…

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