Multiple Regression and Correlation Techniques: Recent Controversies and Best Practices

Abstract

Objective: This article presumes familiarity with the basics of multiple regression and correlation (MRC) methods and addresses recent controversies and emerging innovations. Areas of emphasis include linking analyses to theory-driven hypotheses, treatment of covariates in hierarchical regression models, recent debates about the testing of mediator and moderator hypotheses, and incorporating confidence intervals into reports of findings using MRC. Conclusions: Two important conceptual innovations (linking analyses closely to theory-derived hypotheses; focusing interpretations on effect sizes and confidence intervals rather than p values) can increase the scientific yield for researchers making use of MRC methods in rehabilitation psychology. © 2008 American Psychological Association.