topic Re: PROC LOGISTIC parametrization of class variables in Statistical Procedures

PROC LOGISTIC parametrization of class variables

EJ0603 — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 13:11:31 GMT

I'm creating a model using proc logistic with a code of the following form:

proc logistic data=work.MODEL_DATASET;

class cat_var1 cat_var2 cat_var3 cat_var4 cat_var4 cat_var5 cat_var6 cat_var7 /order=freq desc param = glm;

model outcome(event='1')= con_var1 convar2 cat_var1 cat_var2 cat_var3 cat_var4 cat_var4 cat_var5 cat_var6 cat_var4*cat_var6;

I changed the code slightly so that it used reference parameterization i.e. the only change I made was to replace param = glm with param = ref. I was expecting to see almost identical results, but for some of the variables I'm seeing different parameter estimates and odds ratios. Can anyone explain why this is? I'm using SAS 9.4.

Re: PROC LOGISTIC parametrization of class variables

Reeza — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 13:56:04 GMT

I'm assuming the variables that are different are the class variables?

if so, that makes sense as you've changed your parameterization method and the odds ratio is in comparison to a level. If you've changed that level your estimate would change. Your p-values should be the same.

Re: PROC LOGISTIC parametrization of class variables

EJ0603 — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 13:59:30 GMT

Thanks for the quick response - the variables that are different are some (but not all) of the class variables. However, as far as I can see the same reference level has been used in both parameterizations and so I don't understand why the coefficients have changed. Also, the value of the intercept has changed.

Re: PROC LOGISTIC parametrization of class variables

EJ0603 — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 13:26:13 GMT

Also, the odds ratios differ between the two parametrizations. With the param=GLM, there is a convergence warning message which states "WARNING: The information matrix is singular and thus the convergence is questionable. Try specifying a larger SINGULAR= value." There isn't a convergence warning message when param=REF is used.

Could this be the reason for the different odds ratios and parameter estimates between the two options? When would there be a convergence issue with one parameterization and not another?

Re: PROC LOGISTIC parametrization of class variables

Reeza — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 13:34:35 GMT

I wouldn't expect convergence issues.

Ideally you could provide sample data so we could replicate the issue.

If this isn't possible you should contact SAS Tech Support for help.