Using Quasi-variance to Communicate Sociological Results from Statistical Models

Citation

Gayle V & Lambert P (2007) Using Quasi-variance to Communicate Sociological Results from Statistical Models. Sociology, 41 (6), pp. 1191-1208. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038507084830

Abstract
This article introduces a sociological audience to 'quasi-variances' as a solution to the 'reference category problem'. The reference category problem is associated with the interpretation of the effects of categorical explanatory variables within statistical models, and is especially relevant to sociological applications, where categorical explanatory variables are very common. This article presents a selection of examples (using multiple and logistic regression) to illustrate and comment on quasi-variance calculations for sociological models. In addition, the article is augmented with online materials provided by the authors, which aim to help social researchers practise and apply this technique using the popular data analysis software packages SPSS and Stata. The authors conclude that quasi-variance methods offer an attractive and practicable solution to the reference category problem that can, and should, be routinely operationalized by sociological researchers. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORCopyright of Sociology is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Keywords
ABSTRACTS; ACCURACY; AFFILIATION; analysis; audience; categorical variables; category; codes; Copyright; data; DATA analysis; Data Analysis Software; Development; email; EXAMPLE; Logistic Regression; LOGISTIC-REGRESSION; LTD; Measurement; method; Methodology; methods; model; Models; MULTILEVEL models (Statistics); NUMBER; properties; quasi-variance; reference category; Regression; REGRESSION analysis; regression models; Research; researchers; Science; Sciences; Selection; service; services; SITES; SOCIAL sciences; SOCIOLOGICAL analysis; SOCIOLOGY; SOCIOLOGY -- Methodology; software; STATISTICAL measurement; statistical models; STATISTICAL services -- Software; STATISTICS; Stirling; universities

Journal
Sociology: Volume 41, Issue 6