Regression Analysis: An Intuitive Guide for Using and Interpreting Linear Models

Book Preface

I love statistics and analyzing data! I also love talking and writing  about it. I was a researcher at a major university. Then, I spent over a  decade working at a major statistical software company. During my  time at the statistical software company, I learned how to present statistics in a manner that makes it more intuitive. I want you to understand the essential concepts, practices, and knowledge for regression analysis so you can analyze your data confidently. That’s the goal of  my book.
In this book, you’ll learn many facets of regression analysis including
the following:
• How regression works and when to use it.
• Selecting the correct type of regression analysis.
• Specifying the best model.
• Interpreting the results.
• Assessing the fit of the model.

• Generating predictions and evaluating their precision.
• Checking the assumptions.
• Examples of different types of regression analyses.
I’ll help you intuitively understand regression analysis by focusing on  concepts and graphs rather than equations and formulas. I use regular,  everyday language so you can grasp the fundamentals of regression  analysis at a deeper level. I’ll provide practical tips for performing  your analysis. You will learn how to interpret the results while being  confident that you’re conducting the analysis correctly. You’ll be able  to trust your results because you’ll know that you’re performing regression properly and know how to detect and correct problems.
Regardless of your background, I will take you through how to perform regression analysis. Students, career changers, and even current  analysts looking to take your skills to the next level, this book has absolutely everything you need to know for regression analysis.
I’ve literally received thousands of requests from aspiring data scientists for guidance in performing regression analysis. This book is my  answer – years of knowledge and thousands of hours of hard work distilled into a thorough, practical guide for performing regression analysis.
You’ll notice that there are not many equations in this book. After all,  you should let your statistical software handle the calculations so you  don’t get bogged down in the calculations and can instead focus on  understanding your results. Instead, I focus on the concepts and practices that you’ll need to know to perform the analysis and interpret  the results correctly. I’ll use more graphs than equations! Don’t get me wrong. Equations are important. Equations are the  framework that makes the magic, but the truly fascinating aspects are  what it all means. I want you to learn the true essence of regression  analysis. If you need the equations, you’ll find them in most textbooks.

Please note that throughout this book I use Minitab statistical software. However, this book is not about teaching particular software but  rather how to perform regression analysis. All common statistical  software packages should be able to perform the analyses that I show.  There is nothing in here that is unique to Minitab.