Overview of the Generalized Linear Model

A generalized linear model is an extension of a traditional linear model that allows the population mean to depend on a linear predictor through a nonlinear link function. A generalized linear model requires that you specify a distribution and a link function. The distribution should match the distribution of the response variable. The link function is used to relate the response variable to the effect variables.

The generalized linear model requires a measure response variable and at least one effect variable or interaction term. The distribution imposes range requirements on the measure response variable. These requirements are provided in the following table: