Interpreting Polynomial Regression

James A. Stimson, Edward G. Carmines and Richard A. Zeller
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James A. Stimson: Florida State University
Edward G. Carmines: Indiana University
Richard A. Zeller: Bowling Green State University

Sociological Methods & Research, 1978, vol. 6, issue 4, 515-524

Abstract: This paper focuses on the interpretational difficulties that confound polynomial regression analysis. While polynomial regression is statistically sound, it produces awkward equations which "describe" a curve with a series of linear slopes. An example illustrates the technique and the awkward properties of regression coefficients in the quadratic case. Finally, the paper briefly outlines an algebraic manipulation that transforms polynomial regression equations into a format that is readily interpretable.

Date: 1978
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:somere:v:6:y:1978:i:4:p:515-524

DOI: 10.1177/004912417800600405

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