Stepwise Regression in Social and Psychological Research

Abstract

Researchers often invoke stepwise ordinary least squares regression to explain, predict or classify practical problems or theoretical constructs in psychological and social research. Unfortunately, this statistical technique is used without proper consideration for its inherent theoretical and practical limitations, a problem expected to grow even more serious with the proliferation of statistical packages for use on personal computers. Use of stepwise regression in social and psychological research is reconsidered here. Explanations of forward selection, backward elimination and combination stepwise procedures are provided; limitations of the technique, statistical and practical, are then addressed. Analysis shows that most of the current applications of stepwise regression should be rejected, or at least tempered with strong qualification to inference.