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Least Squares Regression


Question:

How can I compute a regression line?

The script regresst.jnl defines variables "SLOPE", "INTERCEP", "RSQUARE", and "QHAT" given a dependent and independent variable. If you have a variable defined on the X axis, (or you can use RESHAPE to put it on an X axis) then use the script regressx.jnl

regresst.jnl offeres the following coaching lines about its inputs and outputs:

... Linear Regression Along the T Axis
... Instructions:
Use the LET command to define new variables
Define the variable P as your independent (X) variable
Define the variable Q as your   dependent (Y) variable
Results will be variables "SLOPE", "INTERCEP" and "RSQUARE"
QHAT will be the regression estimate
Note: If "T" is your independent variable then
...   "SET GRID Q" after defining Q.
...

Define variables P and Q as the inputs to the script.

  yes? USE rainfall.nc
  yes? LET p = t[gt=rain]
  yes? LET q = rain
  yes? SET GRID q
  yes? GO regresst

Here are our definitions of P and Q, and some of the variables that the script defines One might want to use QAVE or QVAR, the mean and variance of variable Q.

  yes? SHOW VAR
 Created by DEFINE VARIABLE:
 >>> Definitions that replace any file variable of same name:
     P = T[GT=RAIN]
     Q = RAIN
       ...
     PAVE = PMASKED[T=@AVE]
     QAVE = QMASKED[T=@AVE]

     PVAR = PPAVE - PAVE*PAVE
     QVAR = QQAVE - QAVE*QAVE

     SLOPE = PQVAR / PVAR
     INTERCEP = QAVE - SLOPE*PAVE
     QHAT = SLOPE*P + INTERCEP
     RSQUARE = (PQVAR*PQVAR) / (PVAR*QVAR)
 

Show the input data as a scatter point, and the regression line

  yes? SET VIEW upper
  yes? PLOT/SYM q
  yes? PLOT/OVER qhat

Subtract qhat from the variable to get the series, minus its mean and trend.

  
yes? SET VIEW lower
yes? LET/TITLE="rainfall - mean, trend" detrended = rain - qhat
yes? PLOT rain, detrended
[Output Graphic]


Last modified: October 27, 2004