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    On the practice of dichotomization of quantitative variables

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    maccallum_zhang_preacher_rucker_2002.pdf (553.6Kb)
    Issue Date
    2002
    Author
    MacCallum, Robert C.
    Zhang, Shaobo
    Preacher, Kristopher J.
    Rucker, Derek D.
    Type
    Article
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    Abstract
    The authors examine the practice of dichotomization of quantitative measures, wherein relationships among variables are examined after 1 or more variables have been converted to dichotomous variables by splitting the sample at some point on the scale(s) of measurement. A common form of dichotomization is the median split, where the independent variable is split at the median to form high and low groups, which are then compared with respect to their means on the dependent variable. The consequences of dichotomization for measurement and statistical analyses are illustrated and discussed. The use of dichotomization in practice is described, and justifications that are offered for such usage are examined. The authors present the case that dichotomization is rarely defensible and often will yield misleading results.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1808/1495
    Collections
    • Psychology Scholarly Works [298]
    Citation
    Psychological Methods, 7, 19-40.

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    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

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