RE: order of covariate inclusion -> avoiding stepwise approaches -> abandoning exploratory analysis?

From: bachmanw@globomax.com Subject: RE: [NMusers] order of covariate inclusion -> avoiding stepwise approaches -> abandoning exploratory analysis? Date: 9/26/2003 8:59 AM Marc, I don't see any provision for exploratory analysis in your proposal. Do we always know the model? Have we never serendipitously discovered relationships that were contrary to our apriori conceptions or known science? How do you know if something is clinically relevant if you aren't aware of it? The building approach, severely flawed as it is, at least has a shot at uncovering new covariates. I read your approach correctly, you are getting your full model from prior knowledge and covariates of interest. Did I miss something here? Have you abandoned exploratory analysis? Bill