Contrast Coding in Multiple Regression Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Utility of Popular Coding Structures

The use of multiple regression analysis (MRA) has been on the rise over the last few decades in part due to the realization that analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistics can be advantageously completed using MRA. Given the limitations of ANOVA strategies it is argued that MRA is the better analysis; however, in order to use ANOVA in MRA coding structures must be employed by the researcher which can be confusing to understand. The present paper attempts to simplify this discussion by providing a description of the most popular coding structures, with emphasis on their strengths, limitations, and uses. A visual analysis of each of these strategies is also included along with all necessary steps to create the contrasts. Finally, a decision tree is presented that can be used by researchers to determine which coding structure to utilize in their current research project.