The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem in Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Environment and Planning A - Tập 23 Số 7 - Trang 1025-1044 - 1991
A. Stewart Fotheringham1, Dws Wong1
1The National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, Department of Geography, Wilkeson Quad, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14261, USA

Tóm tắt

In this paper the examination of the modifiable areal unit problem is extended into multivariate statistical analysis. In an investigation of the parameter estimates from a multiple linear regression model and a multiple logit regression model, conclusions are drawn about the sensitivity of such estimates to variations in scale and zoning systems. The modifiable areal unit problem is shown to be essentially unpredictable in its intensity and effects in multivariate statistical analysis and is therefore a much greater problem than in univariate or bivariate analysis. The results of this analysis are rather depressing in that they provide strong evidence of the unreliability of any multivariate analysis undertaken with data from areal units. Given that such analyses can only be expected to increase with the imminent availability of new census data both in the United Kingdom and in the USA, and the current proliferation of GIS (geographical information system) technology which permits even more access to aggregated data, this paper serves as a topical warning.

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Environment and Planning A

Tập 23 Số 7

1025-1044

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