Solved – Significant first-step coefficient becomes insignificant in second step of hierarchical multiple regression

multilevel-analysismultiple regressionregression coefficientsstatistical significance

I've tried to find the answer to this on this website but haven't been able to, so apologies if this has already been resolved. I am carrying out a hierarchical multiple regression. In the first step, the model is significant, and the predictors $X_1$, $X_2$ and $X_3$ have significant coefficients. When I add $X_4$ in the second step, the model is significant and the $R^2$ change is significant. The coefficient for $X_4$ is also significant. However, the previously significant coefficient of $X_1$ becomes insignificant. Why would this be happening?

There do not appear to be any problems with multicollinearity. I don't know if the following is relevant, but $X_1$ and $X_4$ are moderately positively correlated and are equally correlated with the dependent variable. $X_2$ and $X_3$ are dummy variables of a categorical variable with 3 levels. All other variables are continuous. Thanks!

Best Answer

Multicollinearity doesn't have to be terribly high for this to happen. It sounds like $X_1$ is correlated with $X_4$, and so when $X_4$ is not included in the model, $X_1$ takes credit for the variability in $Y$ that $X_4$ is responsible for. When $X_4$ is included, the model recognizes that $X_4$ and not $X_1$ is responsible for the effect and switches to attributing the effect to $X_4$.

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