What are the assumptions of linear models? If you compare two lists of assumptions, most of the time they’re not the same.
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Assumptions
Member Training: Assumptions of Linear Models
June 30th, 2022 by TAF SupportThe Difference Between Model Assumptions, Inference Assumptions, and Data Issues
December 23rd, 2020 by Karen Grace-MartinHave you ever compared the list of model assumptions for linear regression across two sources? Whether they’re textbooks, lecture notes, or web pages, chances are the assumptions don’t quite line up.
Why? Sometimes the authors use different terminology. So it just looks different.
And sometimes they’re including not only model assumptions, but inference assumptions and data issues. All are important, but understanding the role of each can help you understand what applies in your situation.
Member Training: Using Transformations to Improve Your Linear Regression Model
March 5th, 2018 by guest contributerTransformations don’t always help, but when they do, they can improve your linear regression model in several ways simultaneously.
They can help you better meet the linear regression assumptions of normality and homoscedascity (i.e., equal variances). They also can help avoid some of the artifacts caused by boundary limits in your dependent variable — and sometimes even remove a difficult-to-interpret interaction.
ANCOVA Assumptions: When Slopes are Unequal
December 22nd, 2013 by Karen Grace-MartinThere are two oft-cited assumptions for Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), which is used to assess the effect of a categorical independent variable on a numerical dependent variable while controlling for a numerical covariate:
1. The independent variable and the covariate are independent of each other.
2. There is no interaction between independent variable and the covariate.
In a previous post, I showed a detailed example for an observational study where the first assumption is irrelevant, but I have gotten a number of questions about the second.
So what does it mean, and what should you do, if you find an interaction between the categorical IV and the continuous covariate? (more…)
When Assumptions of ANCOVA are Irrelevant
October 15th, 2012 by Karen Grace-MartinEvery once in a while, I work with a client who is stuck between a particular statistical rock and hard place.
It happens when they’re trying to run an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model because they have a categorical independent variable and a continuous covariate.
The problem arises when a coauthor, committee member, or reviewer insists that ANCOVA is inappropriate in this situation because one of the following ANCOVA assumptions are not met:
1. The independent variable and the covariate are independent of each other.
2. There is no interaction between independent variable and the covariate.
If you look them up in any design of experiments textbook, which is usually where you’ll find information about ANOVA and ANCOVA, you will indeed find these assumptions. So the critic has nice references.
However, this is a case where it’s important to stop and think about whether the assumptions apply to your situation, and how dealing with the assumption will affect the analysis and the conclusions you can draw.
Assumptions of Linear Models are about Residuals, not the Response Variable
July 1st, 2011 by Karen Grace-MartinI recently received a great question in a comment about whether the assumptions of normality, constant variance, and independence in linear models are about the residuals or the response variable.
The asker had a situation where Y, the response, was not normally distributed, but the residuals were.
Quick Answer: It’s just the residuals.
In fact, if you look at any (good) statistics textbook on linear models, you’ll see below the model, stating the assumptions: (more…)