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Identifying Informative Predictor Variables With Random Forests

Author

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  • Yannick Rothacher
  • Carolin Strobl

    (University of Zurich)

Abstract

Random forests are a nonparametric machine learning method, which is currently gaining popularity in the behavioral sciences. Despite random forests’ potential advantages over more conventional statistical methods, a remaining question is how reliably informative predictor variables can be identified by means of random forests. The present study aims at giving a comprehensible introduction to the topic of variable selection with random forests and providing an overview of the currently proposed selection methods. Using simulation studies, the variable selection methods are examined regarding their statistical properties, and comparisons between their performances and the performance of a conventional linear model are drawn. Advantages and disadvantages of the examined methods are discussed, and practical recommendations for the use of random forests for variable selection are given.

Suggested Citation

  • Yannick Rothacher & Carolin Strobl, 2024. "Identifying Informative Predictor Variables With Random Forests," Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, , vol. 49(4), pages 595-629, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jedbes:v:49:y:2024:i:4:p:595-629
    DOI: 10.3102/10769986231193327
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kursa, Miron B. & Rudnicki, Witold R., 2010. "Feature Selection with the Boruta Package," Journal of Statistical Software, Foundation for Open Access Statistics, vol. 36(i11).
    2. Hapfelmeier, A. & Ulm, K., 2013. "A new variable selection approach using Random Forests," Computational Statistics & Data Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 50-69.
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    Cited by:

    1. Leogrande, Angelo, 2024. "Strategie innovative per la logistica: il valore del kitting e assembly nel settore idrotermosanitario," MPRA Paper 122746, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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