Interpreting Interaction Effects in Generalized Linear Models of Nonlinear Probabilities and Counts
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Psychology research frequently involves the study of probabilities and counts. These are typically analyzed using generalized linear models (GLMs), which can produce these quantities via nonlinear transformation of model parameters. Interactions are central within many research applications of these models. To date, typical practice in evaluating interactions for probabilities or counts extends directly from linear approaches, in which evidence of an interaction effect is supported by using the product term coefficient between variables of interest. However, unlike linear models, interaction effects in GLMs describing probabilities and counts are not equal to product terms between predictor variables. Instead, interactions may be functions of the predictors of a model, requiring nontraditional approaches for interpreting these effects accurately. Here, we define interactions as change in a marginal effect of one variable as a function of change in another variable, and describe the use of partial derivatives and discrete differences for quantifying these effects. Using guidelines and simulated examples, we then use these approaches to describe how interaction effects should be estimated and interpreted for GLMs on probability and count scales. We conclude with an example using the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study demonstrating how to correctly evaluate interaction effects in a logistic model.
Source: Multivariate Behavioral Research
Language: English
Subfield: Statistics and Probability
Field: Mathematics
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: Characterizing the Role of Avoidant Coping in the Development of Drinking to Cope with Negative Emotions, Ecological Momentary Assessment of Negative Urgency's Effects on Alcohol and Marijuana Misuse, Developmental Pathways of Substance Use among Sexual Minority Women, 9/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT U MICHIGAN, 3/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT U MINNESOTA, 4/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT FIU, 7/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT YALE, 8/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT CHLA, ABCD-USA Consortium: Coordinating Center, 6/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT OHSU, 10/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT SRI, 12/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT U PITTSBURGH, 1/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT U UTAH, 11/21 ABCD-USA Consortium: Research Project Site at UWM, ABCD-USA Consortium: Data Analysis, Informatics and Resource Center, 13/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT MUSC, 5/21 ABCD-USA Consortium: Research Project Site at UC San Diego, 2/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT UMB, Alcohol Research in the Science/Practitioner Model
OpenAlex ID: W3127350798