There are numerous techniques for fitting regression models to data,
ranging from classical multiple linear regression to highly
sophisticated approaches such as spline-based, tree-based, rule-based,
neural network, and ensemble methods. Although it is important in many
applications that a regression model be interpretable, research in
this area is mostly driven by prediction accuracy. It seems almost a
fact that the more sophisticated an algorithm, the less interpretable
its models become. In this talk, we discuss some basic problems that
hinder model interpretation and propose that the most interpretable
model is one that can be visualized graphically. The challenge is how
to build such a model without unduly sacrificing prediction accuracy.
We propose one solution and compare its prediction accuracy with other
methods.