Regression Using Pairs vs. Regression on Differences: A Real-life Case Study for a Master's Level Methods Class

When teaching regression classes real-life examples help emphasize the importance of understanding theoretical concepts related to methodologies. This can be appreciated after a little reflection on the difficulty of constructing novel questions in regression that test on concepts rather than mere calculations. Interdisciplinary collaborations can be fertile contexts for questions of this type. In this article, we offer a case study that students will find: (1) practical with respect to the question being addressed, (2) compelling in the way it shows how a solid understanding of theory helps answer the question, and (3) enlightening in the way it shows how statisticians contribute to problem solving in interdisciplinary environments. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.

在回归分析（regression）课程的教学中，采用真实案例有助于凸显理解与方法论相关的理论概念的重要性。稍加思索便会发现，构建侧重考查核心概念而非单纯计算的回归类新颖考题颇具难度，这一点恰恰印证了前述观点的价值。跨学科合作正是催生这类优质考题的肥沃土壤。本文提供一则案例研究，可使学生获得三重收益：其一，针对所探讨的问题具备极强的实践指导性；其二，通过展现扎实的理论功底如何助力问题解答，极具说服力；其三，通过呈现统计学家如何在跨学科环境中参与问题解决，使人深受启发。本文配套补充材料可在线获取。