title: Simple linear and multivariate regression models.
abstract: In biomedical research it is common to find problems in which we wish to relate a response variable to one or more variables capable of describing the behaviour of the former variable by means of mathematical models. Regression techniques are used to this effect, in which an equation is determined relating the two variables. While such equations can have different forms, linear equations are the most widely used form and are easy to interpret. The present article describes simple and multiple linear regression models, how they are calculated, and how their applicability assumptions are checked. Illustrative examples are provided, based on the use of the freely accessible R program.
authors.affiliation: UCG Salud Pública y Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Rodríguez del Águila
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Benítez-Parejo
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods*; D016014:Linear Models; D015233:Models, Statistical; D015999:Multivariate Analysis