Regression model

Generalized Least Squares (GLS)

Generalized Least Squares (GLS) is a linear regression estimator that extends ordinary least squares to handle situations where the error terms are correlated or have non-constant variance (heteroscedasticity). Introduced by Alexander Craig Aitken in 1935, GLS achieves the Best Linear Unbiased Estimator (BLUE) under a general error covariance structure by weighting observations according to their precision, providing a theoretical bridge between OLS and modern linear mixed models.

Apply with StatMindSoonVideoSoon

Read the full method

Members only

Sign in with a free account to read this section.

Sign in

Sources

  1. Aitken, A. C. (1935). IV.—On least squares and linear combination of observations. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 55, 42–48. DOI: 10.1017/S0370164600014346
  2. Greene, W. H. (2003). Econometric Analysis (5th ed.). Prentice Hall. ISBN: 978-0131108493
  3. Wooldridge, J. M. (2010). Econometric Analysis of Cross Section and Panel Data (2nd ed.). MIT Press. ISBN: 978-0262232586

Related methods

Referenced by

ScholarGateGeneralized Least Squares (Generalized Least Squares Estimator). Retrieved 2026-06-04 from https://scholargate.app/en/statistics/generalized-least-squares