Recall that psychologists modeled desire to have cosmetic surgery (y) as a function of gender (x1), self-esteem (x2), body satisfaction (x3), and impression of reality TV (x4). Suppose you want to determine which subset of these four independent variables is best for predicting one's desire to have cosmetic surgery. Consequently, you will run a stepwise regression.
a. In step 1 of the stepwise regression, how many t-tests will be performed?
b. In step 2 of the stepwise regression, how many t-tests will be performed?
c. Access the data saved in the file and run the stepwise regression. Which independent variables comprise the best subset of variables for predicting one's desire to have cosmetic surgery?
d. Do you recommend using the resulting stepwise regression model for predicting one's desire to have cosmetic surgery or do you recommend further analysis? Explain your reasoning.
For Information: Refer to the Body Image: An International Journal of Research (March 2010) study of the influence of reality TV shows on one's desire to undergo cosmetic surgery, Exercise 12.17.