Geometric Views of Partial Correlation Coefficient in Regression Analysis

Abstract

By describing the geometric analogues of the concepts from various perspectives, this work aims to provide a richer and intuitive comprehension of the concept of partial correlation coefficient in the regression analysis, especially for beginning students. Based on a simple and strictly correct geometric framework, this article geometrically illustrates the concept of partial correlation coefficient in regression analysis from the views of the Frisch-Waugh-Lovell Theorem, partial F test statistics, and the comparisons with other levels of correlation coefficients. In our opinion, the geometric approach sheds lights on the regression analysis as it provides a richer and more concrete understanding for readers, especially for beginners. This paper can also be served as a supplementary reading material for serious beginners.