Re: Difference Score as a dependent variable

Posted by Laura2014 on Apr 17, 2014; 3:09pm
URL: http://spssx-discussion.165.s1.nabble.com/Difference-Score-as-a-dependent-variable-tp5725496p5725501.html

Thank you all for the information!
We conducted a cross-sectional survey which tests the influence of increased media use on an objectified self-concept in 244 respondents. The difference score variable "objectified self-concept" reflects whether someone considers his/her own appearance as more important than his/her physical competence. The scale includes 12items: 5 items on level of importance attached to appearance and 7 items on level of importance attached to competence. Objectified self-concept is now calculated by subtracting mean score of appearance from mean score of competence.
So the independent variable in our cross-sectional study is frequency of media use and our dependent variable is objectified self-concept = a difference score variable.
Because the design is cross-sectional (and not experimental), I do not have a pretest score which all the techniques for handling difference scores I know refer to?
Thanks!