Tech Talk: Multivariate Analysis for Investigators

Multivariable analysis refers to statistical models that incorporate multiple independent or response variables. Such models include several variables on the right side of the equation, enabling the assessment of relationships between numerous factors while accounting for potential confounders. Multivariate statistics encompasses various forms of analysis tailored to different objectives across numerous fields. These analyses serve several purposes, such as examining data patterns, facilitating clear comparisons, eliminating irrelevant information, and studying multiple factors simultaneously. Considering a multitude of variables makes multivariate analysis both complex and indispensable. Its greatest strength lies in incorporating as many factors as possible, which minimizes bias and yields results that closely reflect reality. This presentation will provide an overview of multivariate statistics, covering the framework, multivariate regression analysis, factor component analysis, and structural equation modeling.

Meet the Speaker

Zugui Zhang, PhD

Dr. Zugui Zhang is director of biostatistics at iREACH, ChristianaCare and Fellow of American Heart Association. He received an MS in statistics from Arizona State University and his PhD in biostatistics from the University of Iowa.  He joined ChristianaCare in 2007 and has been Director of Biostatistics since 2017.  He holds appointments as Affiliated Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Delaware and Thomas Jefferson University.  He has worked extensively on large, international, multi-center, randomized clinical trials and observational studies.