Visualizing Multiple Regression

Abstract

Several examples are presented to demonstrate how Venn diagramming can be used to help students visualize multiple regression concepts such as the coefficient of determination, the multiple partial correlation, and the Type I and Type II sums of squares. In addition, it is suggested that Venn diagramming can aid in the interpretation of a measure of variable importance obtained by average stepwise selection. Finally, we report findings of an experiment that compared outcomes of two instructional methods for multiple regression, one using Venn diagrams and one not.