Maximum entropy principle and the logistic model

This paper proposes the use of the maximum entropy principle to construct a probability model under constraints for the analysis of dichotomous data u sing the odds ratio adjusted for covariates. It gives a new understanding o f the now famous logistic model. We show that we can do away with the hypot hesis of linearity of the log odds and still effectively use the model prop erly. From a practical point of view, the result implies that we do not hav e to discuss the plausability of the linearity hypothesis relative to the d ata or the phenomenon under study. Hence, when using the logistic model, we do not have to discuss the multiplicative effect of the covariates on the odds ratio. This is a major gain in the use of the model if one does not ha ve to establish or justify the multiplicative effect, for instance, of alco hool consumption while considering low birth weight babies.