A regression model for a categorical, typically binary, dependent variable. Instead of modeling the outcome directly, it models the probability of the outcome using the logistic (sigmoid) function. The model predicts the log-odds of the event as a linear combination of the independent variables: \(\ln(\frac{p}{1-p}) = \beta_0 + \beta_1 x_1 + \dots + \beta_p x_p\), where p is the probability of the event.
Logistic regression is a fundamental algorithm for binary classification problems. It is a type of Generalized Linear Model (GLM) that extends the ideas of linear regression to cases where the outcome variable is not continuous. Applying linear regression directly to a binary (0/1) outcome is problematic because it can produce predicted probabilities outside the logical [0, 1] range and violates the OLS assumption of constant error variance.
Logistic regression solves this by using a link function to transform the outcome. It models the logarithm of the odds, or ‘logit’, as a linear function of the predictors. The odds are the ratio of the probability of success (\(p\)) to the probability of failure (\(1-p\)). This transformation, \(\text{logit}(p) = \ln(p/(1-p))\), maps the probability from the range [0, 1] to the entire real number line \((-\infty, +\infty)\), making it suitable for a linear model.
To get back to a probability, one applies the inverse of the logit function, which is the logistic or sigmoid function: \(p = \frac{e^{\beta_0 + \beta_1 x_1 + \dots}}{1 + e^{\beta_0 + \beta_1 x_1 + \dots}}\). Unlike linear regression, the parameters (\(\beta\)) are not estimated using least squares. Instead, they are typically found using Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE), an iterative process that finds the parameter values that maximize the likelihood of observing the actual data. The model can be extended to handle multi-class problems through multinomial logistic regression.
AVAILABLE FOR NEW CHALLENGES
Mechanical Engineer, Project, Process Engineering or R&D Manager
Available for a new challenge on short notice.
Contact me on LinkedIn
Plastic metal electronics integration, Design-to-cost, GMP, Ergonomics, Medium to high-volume devices & consumables, Lean Manufacturing, Regulated industries, CE & FDA, CAD, Solidworks, Lean Sigma Black Belt, medical ISO 13485
We are looking for a new sponsor
Your company or institution is into technique, science or research ?
> send us a message <
Receive all new articles
Free, no spam, email not distributed nor resold
or you can get your full membership -for free- to access all restricted content >here<
(if date is unknown or not relevant, e.g. "fluid mechanics", a rounded estimation of its notable emergence is provided)
Related Invention, Innovation & Technical Principles
{{title}}
{% if excerpt %}{{ excerpt | truncatewords: 55 }}
{% endif %}
