On the Occurrence of Standardized Regression Coefficients Greater Than One

Abstract

For some investigators, the occurrence of standardized regression coefficients greater than one in a model raises questions concerning the legitimacy of such coefficients, and poses serious problems of interpretation (particularly for those employing path analytic procedures). It is demonstrated here that standardized regression coefficients greater than one can legitimately occur. Furthermore, the relationship between the occurrence of such coefficients and the extent of multicollinearity present among the set of predictor variables in an equation is examined. Comments on the interpretation of these coefficients, including a discussion of their interpretation in the context of path analysis, are provided.