7 Multiple Regression Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Recommended by experts like Timothy Z. Keith, Jacob Cohen, and Colin Lewis-Beck, these Multiple Regression Books offer unmatched clarity and application for serious learners.

Updated on June 24, 2025
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What if I told you that mastering multiple regression could transform your ability to interpret data and make smarter decisions across fields like psychology, social science, and data analytics? Multiple regression isn’t just a statistical method; it’s a lens through which you can unravel complex relationships and predict outcomes with confidence. Today, understanding this technique is more crucial than ever as data-driven decisions shape research and business alike.

Consider Timothy Z. Keith, a professor at the University of Texas, who champions clarity by focusing on conceptual understanding rather than dense formulas. Or Jacob Cohen, whose work in behavioral sciences has helped generations of researchers confidently apply regression without drowning in mathematics. Then there’s Colin Lewis-Beck, whose blend of social science and statistics offers a grounded, practical approach. Their combined expertise reveals how multiple regression serves as both a science and an art.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks and deep insights, readers seeking content tailored to their specific background, skill level, or research goals might consider creating a personalized Multiple Regression book that builds on these insights, offering targeted guidance that fits your unique journey.

Best for conceptual clarity and SEM learners
Timothy Z. Keith is a professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas, Austin, whose research on intelligence measurement has earned him awards from leading school psychology journals and a senior scientist distinction from the APA. His expertise in test validity and measurement theory informs this book, which aims to demystify multiple regression and structural equation modeling for students and researchers. By focusing on conceptual clarity and practical application, Keith provides a resource grounded in deep academic insight and real-world relevance.
2019·654 pages·Multiple Regression, Structural Equation Modeling, Regression, Path Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Timothy Z. Keith, a professor of educational psychology with notable recognition in intelligence measurement, crafted this book to clarify complex statistical methods for students and researchers alike. Instead of overwhelming you with formula derivations, he centers on the concepts and purposes behind multiple regression and structural equation modeling, making the material accessible and directly applicable. You'll explore path analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and latent growth modeling, supported by real-world examples and detailed figures that bring these techniques to life. If you want a clear understanding of how these methods interrelate and how to use them thoughtfully in research, this book offers a steady guide without unnecessary jargon.

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Jacob Cohen was a prominent psychologist recognized for his profound influence on statistical methodology in behavioral sciences. His extensive experience shaping accessible statistical concepts led to this book, which bridges complex multiple regression theory with practical application for researchers and graduate students. Cohen’s authoritative background ensures the text delivers clarity and depth, making it a trusted resource for those engaging with regression analysis in psychology and related fields.
Applied Multiple Regression/Correlation Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences, 3rd Edition book cover

by Jacob Cohen, Patricia Cohen, Stephen G. West, Leona S. Aiken··You?

2002·736 pages·Multiple Regression, Regression, Statistical Analysis, Effect Size, Confidence Intervals

Drawing from decades of expertise in psychological statistics, Jacob Cohen and his co-authors present a detailed yet accessible exploration of multiple regression tailored for behavioral sciences. You’ll find this book invaluable for learning how to craft regression models that directly address complex research questions, supported by clear verbal explanations and practical examples rather than heavy mathematics. Chapters cover foundational concepts like bivariate correlation before advancing to sophisticated topics, with a focus on graphical interpretation, confidence intervals, and effect sizes. This text suits graduate students and researchers in psychology, education, and social sciences who seek a strong grasp of applied regression analysis without getting lost in formulas.

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Best for personal learning paths
This AI-created book on multiple regression is tailored to your current knowledge and specific goals. By sharing your background and the subtopics you're interested in, you receive focused content that matches precisely what you want to learn. This personalized approach helps you navigate complex regression concepts more efficiently, avoiding unnecessary material and honing in on what matters most to your analytical journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Multiple Regression, Regression Concepts, Model Building, Statistical Interpretation, Diagnostic Techniques

This tailored book explores multiple regression with a focus on your unique background and goals, providing a learning journey that matches your interests in data analysis and prediction. It examines core concepts, model building, interpretation, and diagnostic techniques in a way that connects expert knowledge to your specific needs. By concentrating on areas you find most relevant, it reveals how multiple regression helps unravel complex relationships and supports informed decision-making. The personalized content offers a clear pathway through theoretical foundations and practical applications, making complex material accessible and engaging. This book would focus on enhancing your understanding and skills tailored to your experience and objectives in regression analysis.

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Best for social science regression fundamentals
Colin Lewis-Beck, a PhD candidate in statistics with experience at the OECD and ICPSR, teams up with Michael S. Lewis-Beck, a highly cited political science professor, to craft this introduction to regression analysis. Their combined expertise in applied statistics and social science methodology informs a book that clarifies complex concepts for practitioners. This collaboration reflects their commitment to making regression techniques accessible and relevant to social scientists seeking robust quantitative tools.
Applied Regression: An Introduction (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences) book cover

by Colin Lewis-Beck, Michael S. Lewis-Beck··You?

What happens when seasoned social scientists turn their expertise to regression analysis? Colin Lewis-Beck and Michael S. Lewis-Beck offer a lucid introduction tailored for professionals eager to model quantitative data with confidence. You’ll explore foundational concepts like fitting lines to data, then advance through multiple regression, model fit measures, residual analysis, and interaction effects, all unpacked with clarity and practical examples. The book balances mathematical rigor with accessibility, making it ideal for those aiming to apply regression thoughtfully in social science research, rather than just mechanically running formulas. If your goal is to deepen your understanding of regression assumptions and diagnostics in real contexts, this text provides a grounded, insightful path.

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Best for practical regression techniques
Iain Pardoe, PhD, brings his extensive academic background from the University of Minnesota and teaching roles at Pennsylvania State University and Thompson Rivers University to this book. His expertise shapes a resource that demystifies regression modeling for those without calculus backgrounds, making complex statistical methods approachable and useful. This author-driven approach ensures you gain a solid foundation and practical skills directly from an experienced educator in the field.
Applied Regression Modeling book cover

by Iain Pardoe··You?

2020·336 pages·Regression, Multiple Regression, Statistical Modeling, Logistic Regression, Poisson Regression

What started as a need to make regression analysis accessible without heavy calculus led Iain Pardoe, PhD, to craft this practical guide. You dive into core regression concepts, including linear and multiple regression, with clear explanations and examples that don’t overwhelm with unnecessary math. The book also takes you beyond basics, covering logistic regression, Poisson models, and Bayesian approaches, all supported by real datasets and software output to ground your learning. Whether you’re an undergraduate student or a non-statistics graduate, this book equips you with skills to apply regression confidently in fields like data science and machine learning.

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Best for SPSS users in social sciences
Peter James Kpolovie is recognized as 'THE NAME IN SCIENCE' by the Europe Business Assembly and was awarded Scientist of the Year 2021 by the International Achievements Research Center, Canada. As a professor of educational statistics at the University of Port Harcourt, he brings authoritative expertise to this book, driven by his passion for sharing data analysis skills using IBM SPSS. His work guides you through complex statistical methods with clarity and precision, making advanced techniques accessible for your research and professional growth.
2021·388 pages·Multiple Regression, Correlation, Data Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Three-Way ANOVA

Peter James Kpolovie, drawing from his extensive background as a professor of educational statistics and his recognition as Scientist of the Year 2021, crafted this guide to simplify complex data analysis tasks using IBM SPSS. You’ll learn to establish relationships between variables—bivariate, partial, and multiple—and accurately predict outcomes through regression and three-way ANOVA techniques. The book’s strength lies in its clear walkthroughs of SPSS syntax and dialog box selections, detailed screenshots, and interpretation of outputs, making it approachable even if you’re new to these statistical methods. This is ideal for anyone aiming to sharpen their data analysis skills for research or practical application in social sciences or education.

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Best for personal regression plans
This AI-created book on multiple regression is designed around your current knowledge and personal learning goals. By sharing your experience and what aspects you want to focus on, the book is created to match exactly your needs. It guides you through a clear, step-by-step plan to build your regression skills quickly without unnecessary detours. Personalized content makes mastering complex statistical concepts more approachable and relevant to your specific interests and projects.
2025·50-300 pages·Multiple Regression, Regression Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Data Interpretation, Predictor Variables

This tailored book offers a focused pathway to rapidly develop your multiple regression skills through a step-by-step, personalized plan. It explores key concepts, from foundational principles to advanced applications, designed to match your background and address your specific goals. The book guides you through practical examples and exercises that reinforce understanding and build confidence in analyzing complex data relationships. By tailoring the content to your interests and skill level, this book reveals how multiple regression techniques can be applied effectively in research and analytics. It combines broad knowledge with personal relevance, ensuring you gain meaningful mastery that fits your unique learning journey.

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Best for behavioral statistics methodical study
Fred N. Kerlinger was a prominent figure in educational research and statistics, renowned for shaping how behavioral data is analyzed. His expertise in multiple regression analysis is reflected throughout this authoritative text, written to equip you with precise tools for understanding complex relationships within behavioral research. This book stands as a key resource for anyone serious about mastering statistical analysis in social sciences.
534 pages·Multiple Regression, Statistics, Research Methodology, Behavioral Science, Data Analysis

What started as Fred N. Kerlinger's dedication to advancing educational research methodology became a foundational text that dives deep into applying multiple regression techniques specifically within behavioral sciences. You’ll learn how to rigorously analyze complex data relationships, interpret statistical outputs, and apply these insights to real-world behavioral research questions. Chapters meticulously cover assumptions, model building, and hypothesis testing, making it especially useful if you work with psychological or social data. If you seek to enhance your quantitative research skills with a focus on behavior, this book offers a detailed, methodical approach rather than a quick overview.

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Best for software-focused regression application
Dr. Rachel T. Silvestrini is an Associate Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology, bringing a strong background in design of experiments, quality control, and data analytics. Her expertise grounds this book, which integrates statistical theory with practical application using R and JMP software. This combination makes the book particularly valuable for those seeking to bridge academic concepts with hands-on regression analysis skills.
Linear Regression Analysis with JMP and R book cover

by Rachel T. Silvestrini, Sarah E. Burke··You?

2018·468 pages·Multiple Regression, Data Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Data Visualization, Model Diagnostics

What started as Dr. Rachel T. Silvestrini’s academic pursuit in industrial engineering evolved into a focused guide for mastering linear regression through practical software tools. This book teaches you how to collect, clean, and visualize data effectively before diving into model fitting, diagnostics, and selection techniques, applying both R and JMP software. You’ll find detailed tutorials and exercises that sharpen your ability to interpret regression results in real-world contexts, making it more than just theory. If you want to go beyond formulas and understand regression analysis through hands-on application, this book fits well, especially for undergraduate students and practitioners balancing statistical rigor with usability.

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Conclusion

Across these seven books, a few themes emerge: the balance between theory and practice, the importance of clear interpretation, and the value of software tools in bringing regression to life. If you're grappling with behavioral data, starting with Jacob Cohen's text will ground you in applied techniques specific to psychology and education. For those seeking conceptual clarity and broader applications, Timothy Z. Keith’s guide illuminates the path. Meanwhile, practitioners aiming to integrate software like SPSS, JMP, or R will find tailored strategies in Kpolovie and Silvestrini’s works.

For rapid implementation, combining the practical examples from "Applied Regression Modeling" with the conceptual frameworks in "Multiple Regression and Beyond" can accelerate your proficiency. Don’t just read—apply, analyze, and question each model to build intuition and confidence.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Multiple Regression book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and deepen your mastery, no matter your starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Applied Regression" by Colin Lewis-Beck and Michael S. Lewis-Beck. It offers a clear foundation in regression fundamentals tailored for social scientists, making complex ideas approachable and practical for beginners.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Multiple Regression?

Not at all. Books like Timothy Z. Keith’s "Multiple Regression and Beyond" focus on conceptual clarity without heavy math, perfect for newcomers who want to understand the 'why' behind the methods.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts like "Applied Regression" and "Applied Multiple Regression/Correlation Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences," then explore specialized or software-focused books such as Kpolovie’s or Silvestrini’s for applied skills.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your goals. For theory, choose Keith’s book; for applied behavioral research, Cohen’s; for software application, Kpolovie or Silvestrini. Each offers unique value.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Keith’s "Multiple Regression and Beyond" emphasizes theory and conceptual understanding, while Cohen’s and Pardoe’s "Applied Regression Modeling" provide hands-on examples and practical application.

Can I get a Multiple Regression book tailored to my specific needs?

Yes! While these expert books offer solid frameworks, personalized books can adapt concepts to your experience, goals, and industry. Consider creating a personalized Multiple Regression book to get targeted insights that complement expert knowledge.

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