7 Best-Selling Regression Books Millions Trust and Use

Explore Regression Books recommended by experts Jacob Cohen, Paul D. Allison, and William D. Berry, guiding readers through proven, best-selling methods

Updated on June 24, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

There's something special about books that both experts and readers trust in mastering Regression. With seven standout titles, these works reflect widely adopted approaches that have helped countless researchers and analysts deepen their understanding of regression techniques and applications.

Experts like Jacob Cohen, celebrated for bridging statistical methods and behavioral sciences, and Paul D. Allison, known for making complex regression concepts accessible to sociologists, have championed these titles. William D. Berry's practical insights into policy-related regression further highlight the value of these selections.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Regression needs might consider creating a personalized Regression book that combines these validated approaches into a unique learning experience.

Jacob Cohen was a prominent psychologist known for his work in statistical methodology and behavioral sciences. He co-authored several influential texts, including 'Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences' and this book, which reflects his mission to make complex statistical concepts accessible to researchers and students. His expertise shaped the accessible, example-driven approach that helps you master regression techniques applied across psychology, education, and social sciences.
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, Data Analysis, Statistical Methods, Effect Size

What began as Jacob Cohen's effort to demystify statistical methods for behavioral scientists has become a cornerstone text that blends clarity with practical application. You gain a strong grasp of multiple regression through verbal explanations and numerous examples, including how to specify models tailored to your specific research questions. The book's chapters are accessible independently, making it easier to focus on topics like effect size measures and confidence intervals without getting bogged down. Whether your focus is psychology, education, or political science, this book offers a solid foundation to interpret and apply regression analysis effectively.

View on Amazon
Best for social science policy analysts
William D. Berry, Ph.D., from the University of Minnesota, brings extensive expertise in public policy and research methodology to this book. His work on government policy analysis and econometric modeling informs a focused approach to multiple regression that avoids heavy math while addressing key practical challenges. Berry’s background in studying policy diffusion and electoral competition equips you with insights to apply regression techniques effectively in social sciences research.
Multiple Regression in Practice (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences) book cover

by William D. Berry, Stanley Feldman··You?

1985·96 pages·Regression, Multiple Regression, Model Assumptions, Diagnostic Testing, Policy Analysis

The methods William D. Berry developed while studying public policy and research methodology shine through in this concise guide to multiple regression analysis. Berry and Feldman tackle common pitfalls in regression, such as assumption violations, and offer practical detection and correction strategies without relying on complex matrix algebra. You’ll find concrete examples drawn from political science, sociology, and economics, which clarify how to apply these techniques in social science research. This book suits anyone aiming to deepen their grasp of regression analysis nuances, especially those engaged in empirical policy or social research who want a clear, focused resource without heavy mathematical jargon.

View on Amazon
Best for personal regression plans
This AI-created book on regression analysis is tailored to your specific skill level and interests. You share which advanced regression topics and practical applications matter most to you, and the book is created to focus exactly on what you want to master. Personalizing the content allows this book to target your unique goals and background, giving you a more efficient learning experience than one-size-fits-all guides. It’s a focused resource that helps you build confident, real-world regression skills.
2025·50-300 pages·Regression, Regression Basics, Multiple Regression, Model Diagnostics, Nonlinear Regression

This tailored book explores advanced methods and practical applications in regression analysis, focusing on your specific interests and goals. It examines key concepts such as model diagnostics, nonlinear regression, and categorical data techniques, providing a personalized learning journey that matches your background. By integrating reader-validated knowledge and proven approaches, the book reveals how to apply regression insights effectively in real-world scenarios. Its tailored content enables you to deepen your understanding of complex regression topics, empowering you to confidently interpret results and refine your analytical skills.

Tailored Guide
Regression Diagnostics
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for applied statistics practitioners
Norman R. Draper, a professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Wisconsin, alongside Harry Smith, formerly of Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, bring deep academic and practical experience to this work. Their extensive background informs a text that introduces regression analysis with a balance of theoretical insight and accessible application. The book is designed to support analysts, researchers, and students in mastering regression techniques, reflecting the authors' commitment to clear education in statistical methods.
Applied Regression Analysis (Wiley Series in Probability and Statistics) book cover

by Norman R. Draper, Harry Smith··You?

1998·736 pages·Regression, Statistics, Linear Models, Nonlinear Models, Multicollinearity

The methods Norman R. Draper and Harry Smith developed while teaching and researching have shaped this detailed guide to regression analysis. You’ll gain a solid understanding of fitting and evaluating both linear and nonlinear models, including complex topics like multicollinearity and robust regression, presented with clarity that assumes only basic stats knowledge. The book’s inclusion of exercises, data sets, and computational techniques bridges theory and practice effectively, making it a practical tool if you’re involved in statistical analysis or applied sciences. While dense, it suits anyone ready to deepen their grasp of regression beyond surface-level concepts.

View on Amazon
Best for conceptual regression learners
Paul D. Allison, Ph.D., a professor of sociology at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of Statistical Horizons LLC, brings decades of teaching and research expertise to this primer. His extensive background in statistical methods and focus on longitudinal data analysis underpin the clarity and focus of the book. Allison’s experience with diverse statistical topics, from logistic regression to missing data, uniquely positions him to address the core challenges students and researchers face when learning multiple regression.
Multiple Regression: A Primer (Research Methods and Statistics) book cover

by Paul D. Allison··You?

1998·202 pages·Regression, Multiple Regression, Statistics, Data Analysis, Model Interpretation

Paul D. Allison's decades of experience in sociology and statistics shine through this approachable primer on multiple regression. Written in a question-and-answer format, the book demystifies concepts like interpreting coefficients and model assumptions without heavy math jargon. You’ll find clear explanations on handling common issues such as multicollinearity and model specification, making it accessible whether you’re a graduate student or researcher refining your analysis skills. This primer works best if you want a solid conceptual grasp rather than advanced technical depth, providing foundational insights that underpin more complex statistical modeling.

View on Amazon
Best for regression diagnostics experts
Sensitivity Analysis in Linear Regression by Samprit Chatterjee and Ali S. Hadi offers a distinct approach within the regression field by treating linear regression diagnostics as essential tools for applying models to real-world data. The book is well-regarded for its extensive use of examples that clarify theoretical points, making complex ideas more accessible. It specifically addresses how measurement errors affect coefficient estimates, an issue often neglected in conventional least squares techniques, and provides methods to assess both qualitatively and quantitatively the robustness of regression fits. This focus makes it a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their practical understanding of regression analysis and its application to data quality and model reliability.
Sensitivity Analysis in Linear Regression book cover

by Samprit Chatterjee, Ali S. Hadi·You?

1988·315 pages·Regression, Linear Regression, Model Diagnostics, Measurement Error, Coefficient Estimation

Unlike most regression books that focus purely on theoretical model fitting, this work by Chatterjee and Hadi dives into the practical challenges of applying linear regression to real-world data sets. It highlights how measurement errors can skew coefficient estimates, something often overlooked in standard least squares methods. You'll find detailed examples showing how to assess the robustness of regression fits both qualitatively and quantitatively, offering you tools to critically evaluate your model's reliability. This book suits statisticians, data analysts, and researchers who need to understand the subtle nuances affecting regression outcomes beyond basic assumptions.

View on Amazon
Best for fast skill growth
This AI-created book on regression skill development is tailored to your specific background and goals. You share which regression topics and challenges matter most to you, and the book is crafted to focus on those areas, avoiding unnecessary material. This personalized approach helps you learn efficiently by targeting your needs, rather than following a generic path. It’s designed to get you confidently applying regression techniques faster and with more clarity.
2025·50-300 pages·Regression, Regression Basics, Multiple Regression, Model Diagnostics, Linear Models

This tailored book explores rapid skill development in regression, focusing precisely on your background, interests, and goals. It examines fundamental concepts and advanced techniques, blending widely validated knowledge with your specific learning needs. The personalized content covers essential regression methods, model interpretation, diagnostics, and practical applications, ensuring you build confidence quickly and effectively. By concentrating on what matters most to you, this book reveals how to accelerate your understanding and application of regression analysis in real-world scenarios. Its tailored nature ensures an efficient learning journey that matches your pace and aspirations, making complex ideas accessible and relevant.

Tailored Guide
Skill Acceleration
1,000+ Happy Readers
John Scott Long, a Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Statistics at Indiana University, Bloomington, brings decades of expertise to this work. His research spanning gender differences, health, stigma, and sexuality informs a nuanced treatment of regression models for categorical and limited dependent variables. Long's dual focus on quantitative methods and applied social science gives this book a unique authority, making it a valuable resource for those seeking rigorous analytical tools tailored to social research contexts.
1997·327 pages·Regression, Statistics, Quantitative Methods, Categorical Data, Limited Dependent Variables

John Scott Long's extensive experience as a sociology and statistics professor shines through in this book, where he presents a cohesive framework for understanding models dealing with categorical and limited dependent variables. You will learn how these models connect to traditional linear regression, gaining clarity on interpretation, testing, and practical derivation methods. The text carefully bridges complex statistical techniques with social science applications, making it particularly useful if your work involves analyzing non-continuous outcomes. While the book assumes some statistical background, its structured approach benefits those aiming to deepen their understanding of regression beyond standard linear models.

View on Amazon
Best for regression beginners in social sciences
Regression Basics by Leo H. Kahane offers a clear, accessible introduction to regression analysis that has resonated widely among students and educators in social sciences. Its friendly, nontechnical style demystifies complex concepts, making the subject approachable without sacrificing depth. The book’s blend of practical examples—ranging from baseball salaries to crime statistics—and updated topics such as panel data estimation address real research challenges, positioning it as a valuable resource for those seeking to strengthen their understanding of regression methods and their applications in economics, public policy, and sociology.
Regression Basics book cover

by Leo H. Kahane·You?

2007·240 pages·Regression, Statistics, Data Analysis, Panel Data, Omitted Variables

Leo H. Kahane’s Regression Basics takes a straightforward, approachable path into regression analysis, designed for anyone with a foundation in introductory statistics. Rather than overwhelming you with jargon, Kahane builds your understanding step-by-step, starting with simple two-variable models and gradually introducing more complexity. The book’s strength lies in its rich, real-world examples—from analyzing baseball salaries to exploring crime rates—that show how regression can illuminate diverse social and economic issues. If you’re studying economics, political science, or sociology, this book offers clear explanations and practical software guidance, making it a solid choice to grasp the essentials of regression techniques.

View on Amazon

Proven Regression Methods, Personalized

Get regression strategies tailored to your unique goals and challenges without generic advice.

Targeted learning paths
Efficient skill building
Applied regression insights

Used by thousands mastering Regression with expert-backed personalization

Regression Mastery Blueprint
30-Day Regression Accelerator
Strategic Regression Foundations
Regression Success Formula

Conclusion

These seven books reveal clear themes: practical frameworks grounded in real-world applications, rigorous treatment of regression diagnostics, and accessible introductions for newcomers. Together, they cover the spectrum from foundational concepts to specialized models.

If you prefer proven methods, start with Applied Multiple Regression/Correlation Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences and Multiple Regression in Practice for social science and behavioral insights. For validated approaches to regression diagnostics and categorical models, Sensitivity Analysis in Linear Regression and Regression Models for Categorical and Limited Dependent Variables stand out.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Regression book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with Regression Basics for a clear introduction, then explore Applied Multiple Regression/Correlation Analysis to deepen your practical skills. These provide a solid foundation before tackling specialized topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Regression?

Not at all. Books like Multiple Regression by Paul D. Allison use approachable formats to ease beginners into concepts, while others gradually build complexity for all learning levels.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts like Regression Basics and Multiple Regression in Practice. Next, dive into applied and diagnostic-focused books such as Applied Regression Analysis and Sensitivity Analysis in Linear Regression.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Balance both. Classics like Applied Regression Analysis remain relevant for their solid theory, while newer editions often integrate updated examples and methods for today's data challenges.

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

You can pick based on your focus area. For behavioral sciences, choose Cohen’s book; for diagnostics, Chatterjee and Hadi’s work. Each offers targeted insights depending on your goals.

Can I get tailored Regression learning instead of following generic books?

Yes! While these expert books provide valuable foundations, a personalized Regression book can tailor content to your background and goals. It combines proven methods with your specific needs. Learn more here.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!