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U-Shape - Paper - u shape two lines 2018 07 11.pdf (1.68 MB)
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Two-Lines: A Valid Alternative to the Invalid Testing of U-Shaped Relationships with Quadratic Regressions

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posted on 2018-10-25, 18:28 authored by Uri SimonsohnUri Simonsohn
Many psychological theories predict U-shaped relationships: the effect of x is positive for low values of x, but negative for high values, or vice-versa. Despite implying merely a change of sign, hypotheses about U-shapes are tested almost exclusively via quadratic regressions, imposing an arbitrary functional form assumption that can lead to a 100% false-positive rate, e.g., concluding with certainty that y=log(x) is U-shaped. Estimating two regression lines, one for low and one high values of x, allows testing for a sign change without a functional form assumption. To set the breakpoint between the lines, I introduce the Robin Hood algorithm. It delivers higher power to detect U-shapes than all other breakpoint setting alternatives considered. The paper includes simulations and re-analyses of published results. The two-line test can be performed at http://webstimate.org/twolines

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Declaration of conflicts of interest

none

Corresponding author email

urisohn@gmail.com

Lead author country

  • Spain

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