Single-factor regression results
In examining the single-factor regressions the study will add a quantifiable evaluation to
complement and develop the earlier basic comparisons between the dependent variable of publicdiplomacy and each factor. The key to understanding the regression findings is to envision the
comparison of public diplomacy and a factor as a scatter plot graph with the dependent variable
of public diplomacy on the y-axis and the factor on the x-axis. The regression analysis will find
a best fit line to organize the various points on the graph into a linear function (Y=A+BX where
Y is public diplomacy; A is the y-intercept—where x=0,y=a; B is the slope determined by the
regression; and X is the specific factor being examined). For the study, each factor’s linear
function is listed below, then y is set to equal 1 (the practice of public diplomacy) and the
resulting x, rounded to the nearest whole number and a half, shows the likely codec of the factor
for states that practice public diplomacy. The findings concerning each linear regression will be
discussed below