[R] Forcing a variableinto a model using stepAIC

[Chuck Cleland]

On 5/22/2009 9:58 AM, Laura Bonnett wrote:
> Dear All,
> 
> I am attempting to use forward and/or backward selection to determine
> the best model for the variables I have.  Unfortunately, because I am
> dealing with patients and every patient is receiving treatment I need
> to force the variable for treatment into the model.  Is there a way to
> do this using R?  (Additionally, the model is stratified by
> randomisation period).  I know that SAS can be used to do this but my
> SAS coding is poor and consequently it would be easier for me to use
> R, especially given the fractional polynomial transformations!
> 
> Currently the model is as follows (without treatment).
> 
> coxfita=coxph(Surv(rem.Remtime,rem.Rcens)~sind(nearma)+fsh(nearma)+fdr(nearma)+th1(nearma)+th2(nearma)+fp(cage)+fp(fint)+fp(tsb)+strata(rpa),data=nearma)
> 
> 
> Thank you for your help,
> 
> Laura

  See the scope argument to stepAIC in the MASS package.  You can
specify a formula in the 'lower' component of scope which includes the
treatment variable.  That will force the treatment variable to remain in
every model examined in the stepwise search.

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-- 
Chuck Cleland, Ph.D.
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