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Multicollinearity and Parameter Estimation in Simultaneous‐Equation Models of Fluvial Systems
Author(s) -
Rhoads Bruce L.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
geographical analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.773
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1538-4632
pISSN - 0016-7363
DOI - 10.1111/j.1538-4632.1991.tb00244.x
Subject(s) - multicollinearity , fluvial , structural equation modeling , estimation , statistics , econometrics , variance inflation factor , mathematics , computer science , regression analysis , geology , engineering , systems engineering , structural basin , paleontology
Simultaneous‐equation statistical models are an attractive method for directly analyzing interactions among components of geomorphic systems. This study demonstrates that the utility of simultaneous‐equation analysis is limited for fluvial systems by inherent multicollinearity among hydrologic and morphologic variables. Although multicollinearity for observed data may not be severe, estimation procedures for simultaneous‐equation models often enhance this multicollinearity to problematic levels. Diagnostic tests are applied to three models of fluvial systems to illustrate the severity of the problem. It is recommended that investigators who develop simultaneous‐equation models perform appropriate diagnostic evaluations to determine the impact of multicollinearity on specific parameter estimates.