The Continuing Debate over the Use of Ratio Variables: Facts and Fiction

Ratio variables formed by dividing one component, Y, by a second component, Z, are often used to describe and analyze events. The use of ratio variables-and, more particularly, the use of ratio variables with common components-has been the subject of continuing comment, criticism, and cautionary prescriptions. The source of concern is a belief that ratio variables with common components have built-in dependencies favoring one direction of association over another. Thus, for example, where the

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