Class 5 [3h] : Correlation and Regression

This class provides an introduction and overview of two common techniques for exploring the strength of
the relationship between two quantitative variables. The first technique, linear regression, will help us find
an objective way to predict or estimate the value of one variable given a value of another variable. The
second technique, correlation, will help us find an objective measure of the strength of the relationship
between two variables.
Learning objectives for this session
After completing this class the student will:

• be able to obtain a simple linear regression model and use it to make predictions.
• be able to calculate the coefficient of determination and to interpret tests of regression coefficients
• be able to calculate correlations among variables.
• understand how regression and correlation differ and when the use of each is appropriate.
• be able to compute and interpret regression and correlation using Stata

Lecture Topics
- Correlation
- Simple linear regression
- Least Squares estimation
- R-squared
- Coefficients
- Hypothesis testing for Coefficients
Readings:
• Chapter 11: Bernard Rosner. Fundamentals of Biostatistics. 7th edition 2010. Boston: Brooks/Cole,
Cengage Learning