Re: dummy variable coding

Posted by Yampolskaya, Svetlana on Aug 16, 2006; 8:20pm
URL: http://spssx-discussion.165.s1.nabble.com/Re-dummy-variable-coding-tp1070323.html

Dear List,

I have a categorical variable that represents four reasons for discharge
from foster care: (a) reunification with parents, (b) placement with
relatives, c) adoption, and (d) other reasons not related to achieving
permanency. I tried to create four variables with the following coding:
1 - reunification and 0 - other reasons; 1 - placements with relatives
and 0 - other reasons, etc. However, whether I use "reunification" as a
reference category (i.e., when I don't include it in the multivariate
model) or "other reasons not related to permanency" as a reference
category I get different results.

Should I try contrast variable coding? If yes, can you please explain
how to do it and how it differs from regular dummy coding.

Any help will be appreciated,

Lana