Transforming data

[Jochebed Gayles]

Hi,

I have creaed a composite variable using scores from four different
measures. Thus, I z-scored the variables before creating the sum.  My
variable is highly skewed and is leptokurtotic. I wanted to transform
the composite variable but cannot because the the values are not
non-zero and run below zero. Is there a way I can get around this?

Thanks
Joche

[statisticsdoc]

www.statisticsdoc.com
Stephen Brand

Joche,

What are the distributions like for the four original measures?  Perhaps one
or more of them should be transformed before being standardized?

HTH,

Stephen Brand


For personalized and professional consultation in statistics and research
design, visit
www.statisticsdoc.com


-----Original Message-----
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of
Jochebed Gayles
Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 9:36 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Transforming data


Hi,

I have creaed a composite variable using scores from four different
measures. Thus, I z-scored the variables before creating the sum.  My
variable is highly skewed and is leptokurtotic. I wanted to transform
the composite variable but cannot because the the values are not
non-zero and run below zero. Is there a way I can get around this?

Thanks
Joche

[Jochebed Gayles]

Hi Stephen

This is a good point. yes three of the variables have skewed
distributions before I z-scored them. I can do the transformation before
I compute the composite variables.

thanks
Joche

Statisticsdoc wrote:

> www.statisticsdoc.com
> Stephen Brand
>
> Joche,
>
> What are the distributions like for the four original measures?  Perhaps one
> or more of them should be transformed before being standardized?
>
> HTH,
>
> Stephen Brand
>
>
> For personalized and professional consultation in statistics and research
> design, visit
> www.statisticsdoc.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of
> Jochebed Gayles
> Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 9:36 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Transforming data
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I have creaed a composite variable using scores from four different
> measures. Thus, I z-scored the variables before creating the sum.  My
> variable is highly skewed and is leptokurtotic. I wanted to transform
> the composite variable but cannot because the the values are not
> non-zero and run below zero. Is there a way I can get around this?
>
> Thanks
> Joche
>
>
>
>