A program for applying the principle of parsimony in multiple regression

Abstract

A program is described for solving problems in multiple regression analysis on a medium scale computer, PENNSTAC. While the general principles involved are not new, several features of the routine to be discussed make it quite suitable for most of the applications which have been encountered.PENNSTAC, which was built by the Department of Electrical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University, is a magnetic drum computer with roughly the same capabilities as the IBM Type 650. It uses a binary-coded decimal number systems, and the memory holds 2,500 eleven digit words. Numerical quantities are represented by ten digits with a sign; the position of the decimal point is the same for all numbers, but can be set by the operator to any suitable place for a given problem. The input-output medium is punched paper tape. Input speed is quite adequate, but use of output must be economized.