Trying to figure out how to run a linear probability model on my data

[crobinson58]

Hello,

I'm relatively new to SAS and I am trying to figure out how to run a linear probability model on my data. I keep seeing different answers on what the correct code is to run in order to achieve this so I would really appreciate any help! I can provide more information if needed as well. 

Thank you

[StatDave]

A linear probability model directly models binomial probabilities. An example can be seen in this note using PROC GENMOD by specifying DIST=BINOMIAL and LINK=IDENTITY in the MODEL statement. However, it is rarely a good idea unless the observed probabilities are all in the mid-range (such as 0.25 to 0.75). Otherwise, the model typically does not fit well and very often runs into estimation problems because this model allows predicted values to fall outside of the valid [0,1] range. That is why a link function such as the LOGIT or PROBIT link is typically used as they both restrict the predictions to the valid range. If your reason for wanting to fit a linear probability model is to use the model to predict probabilities or to estimate differences on the probability scale, this can still be easily done using a logit model that can fit well. The above note shows how that can be done using the Margins macro or using PROC LOGISTIC followed by the NLMeans macro.

[crobinson58]

I'm looking to model a dataset that would be able to predict whether someone is having a heart stroke, where the dependent variable is just yes or no. Would the probit link function be the most ideal for this scenario?

[crobinson58]

Not necessarily predict it but give me the probability of it.

[StatDave]

That sort of thing is most typically done using a logistic (or logit-linked) model. This is best done using PROC LOGISTIC. See the discussion and examples in the LOGISTIC documentation. The probability of the response event can be produced in various ways such as with the PRED= option in the OUTPUT statement or using the LSMEANS statement with the ILINK option. The LSMEANS statement is also shown in the note I referred to.