Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026
07:13
Author Spotlight: An Efficient and Robust Software for Automated Fusion of Multiple Preclinical Imaging Modalities
Published on: October 27, 2023
1.8K
Mean centering helps alleviate "micro" but not "macro" multicollinearity
Dawn Iacobucci1, Matthew J Schneider2, Deidre L Popovich3
1Vanderbilt University, 401 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA. Dawn.Iacobucci@owen.vanderbilt.edu.
Behavior Research Methods
|July 8, 2015
Summary
Mean centering variables before calculating interaction terms in multiple regression is clarified. This practice can be useful, but its effect on multicollinearity depends on the definition used.
Area of Science:
- Statistics
- Social Sciences Methodology
Background:
- Researchers debate the utility of mean centering variables for interaction terms in multiple regression.
- Current understanding is often based on convention rather than clear principles, leading to confusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the role and impact of mean centering variables in multiple regression analysis.
- To reconcile conflicting perspectives on whether mean centering reduces multicollinearity.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical clarification using mathematical proofs.
- Empirical analysis with an illustrative dataset.
- Quantitative assessment via Monte Carlo simulation.
Main Results:
- Mean centering impacts multicollinearity differently depending on whether "micro" or "macro" definitions are applied.
- The practice has precise, demonstrable effects on individual correlation coefficients and overall model indices.
Conclusions:
- Mean centering can be a beneficial practice when applied appropriately in multiple regression.
- Understanding the distinction between different definitions of multicollinearity is key to its effective use.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Trimmed Mean
3.6K
While measuring the mean of a data set, care needs to be taken when associating the mean to its central tendency. The same goes for the arithmetic mean, the geometric mean, or the harmonic mean. This is because the presence of a single outlier data value can significantly affect the mean. That is, the mean is sensitive to fluctuations in the data set.
Although certain measures of central tendency are not sensitive to outliers, there are alternative versions of the mean that get around the...
Although certain measures of central tendency are not sensitive to outliers, there are alternative versions of the mean that get around the...
3.6K
00:59Center of Mass
2.2K
The center of mass is the point at which the total mass of an object can be said to be concentrated. It is a fundamental principle in mechanics and physics that applies to all objects regardless of their shape or size. The center of gravity is the point at which an object’s weight appears to be concentrated and can be used to balance the object perfectly.
The knowledge of the center of mass can also help us to describe and predict the motion of objects. For example, when a ball is thrown...
The knowledge of the center of mass can also help us to describe and predict the motion of objects. For example, when a ball is thrown...
2.2K
01:10Central Tendency: Analysis
635
Measures of central tendency are tools used in biostatistics to identify the average or center of a dataset. They offer a single representative value for understanding and summarizing data distribution.
The mean is one such measure, calculated by totaling all values in a dataset and dividing by the number of values. For instance, the mean blood pressure reading (120, 130, 140, 150) would be 135. However, the mean can be affected by extreme values or outliers.
The median, another measure,...
The mean is one such measure, calculated by totaling all values in a dataset and dividing by the number of values. For instance, the mean blood pressure reading (120, 130, 140, 150) would be 135. However, the mean can be affected by extreme values or outliers.
The median, another measure,...
635
01:12Significance of Center of Mass
8.0K
The center of mass of an object is defined as the mass-weighted average position of all the particles that comprise the object. The significance of the center of mass of an object can be seen by looking at its dynamics. The time derivative of the center of mass gives its velocity, assuming that the object's mass remains constant over time. Furthermore, the total linear momentum of an object can be seen as the linear momentum of a single particle of the object's total mass moving with...
8.0K
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
7.3K
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when...
7.3K
01:08Median
32.0K
Besides mean, the median is a widely used measure of central tendency. Typically, median is defined as the central or middle value of a data set, measured by arranging the data elements in an increasing or decreasing order. Since this middle value is not affected by the precise numerical values of the outliers or fluctuations, it is insensitive to them. Hence, in cases where a data set may have outliers or the extreme values are not known, the median is a better measure of the central tendency...
32.0K