log linear analysis

log linear analysis

a technique of statistical analysis commonly used on CROSS-TABULATIONS of data. It transforms non-linear models into linear models by the use of logarithms. This is necessary because social data is often nominal or ordinal and therefore does not meet the assumptions needed by many statistical techniques (see CRITERIA AND LEVELS OF MEASUREMENT). It is a CAUSAL MODELLING device, involving setting up models to test against the data, successively adjusting the model till the best fit is found.

Collins Dictionary of Sociology, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2000