Define reference category

By default, the Multinomial logistic regression procedure makes the last category the reference category. The Define reference category dialog gives you control of the reference category and the way in which categories are ordered.

Selected variable

The non-modifiable field display the currently selected variable name.

Reference category

Specify First category, Last category, or a Custom category. Last category is the default setting.

Category order

In Ascending order, the lowest value defines the first category and the highest value defines the last. In Descending order, the highest value defines the first category and the lowest value defines the last.

Setting the reference category

This feature requires Custom Tables and Advanced Statistics.

1. From the menus choose:

   Analyze > Association and prediction > Multinomial logistic regression

2. Click Select variable under the Dependent variable section and select a single dependent variables. Click OK after selecting the variable.
3. Click the link next to the selected variable (for example, Last category (Ascending)) to open the Define reference category dialog. The dialog provides options for specifying reference category settings. Verify or change the default settings and then click OK.