Understanding and Interpreting Polytomous Logistic Regression: Applications to Research on Social Work Practice

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Abstract
This article demonstrates the use of polytomous logistic regression (PLR) and its application to a case example. An outcome study is used to illustrate the use of PLR in applied social work research. The case example is taken from an outcome evaluation of a family support program, involving 250 cases. This instructive article provides readers with (a) a conceptual overview of PLR, (b) an example of how to interpret key features of statistical output (BMDP), (c) a simple formula for calculating probabilities and odds for a particular outcome, and (d) a substantive interpretation of how results can be used in the context of program evaluation. Finally, recommendations for the application of this statistic in practice settings are given.

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