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On the Additive and Multiplicative Models of Relative Risk
Author(s) -
Kodell Ralph L.,
Gaylor D. W.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
biometrical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1521-4036
pISSN - 0323-3847
DOI - 10.1002/bimj.4710310317
Subject(s) - identifiability , multiplicative function , additive function , additive model , relative risk , econometrics , mathematics , statistical model , set (abstract data type) , statistics , computer science , confidence interval , mathematical analysis , programming language
Two popular models of absence of synergism in epidemiologic cohort studies are analyzed and compared. It is shown that the statistical concept of the union of independent events that traditionally has given rise to the “additive” model of relative risk can also generate the “multiplicative” model of relative risk. In fact, the same set of approximating conditions can be used to generate both models, which suggests a lack of identifiability under the traditional approach. An alternate approach is proposed in this paper. The new approach does not require the assumption that background risk factors are independent from causal agents of interest. The concept of “dose additivity” is discussed.