[R] Discretize continous variables....

[Frank E Harrell Jr]

milicic.marko wrote:
> Hi R helpers,
> 
> 
> I'm preparing dataset to fir logistic regression model with lrm(). I
> have various cointinous and discrete variables and I would like to:
> 
> 1. Optimaly discretize continous variables (Optimaly means, maximizing
> information value - IV for example)

This will result in effects in the model that cannot be interpreted and 
will ruin the statistical inference from the lrm.  It will also hurt 
predictive discrimination.  You seem to be allergic to continuous variables.

> 2. Regroup discrete variables to achieve perhaps smaller number of
> level and better information value...

If you use the Y variable to do this the same problems will result. 
Shrinkage is a better approach, or using marginal frequencies to combine 
levels.  See the "pre-specification of complexity" strategy in my book 
Regression Modeling Strategies.

Frank

> 
> 
> Please suggest if there is some package providing this or same
> functionality for discretization...
> 
> 
> if there is no package plese suggest how to achieve this.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Many thanks helpers.
> 
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-- 
Frank E Harrell Jr   Professor and Chair           School of Medicine
                      Department of Biostatistics   Vanderbilt University