Controls

Kalle Lyytinen James Gaskin

Controls
Those other things that might affect the DV, but that we aren t specifically interested in. These are control variables
Potential confounding variables

A control variable is a variable that effects the dependent variable. When we "control a variable" we wish to balance its effect across subjects and groups so that we can ignore it, and just study the relationship between the independent and the dependent variables. Treat controls like IVs.
Have them regress on endogenous variables that they might affect. In AMOS, have them co-vary with other non-endogenous variables

Controls

TV Time

Obesity

Controls Prior obesity Region Season Pop density Race Socioeconomics Other fam vars

*From Dietz and Gortmaker 1985

Controls

TV Time

School Performance

Controls IQ Pleasure reading Hours doing HW Parental reading

*From Dietz and Gortmaker 1985

Controls - recommendations
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Justify inclusion of each control Exclude impotent controls Don t include the kitchen sink Explain measurement just as you would an IV Report controls just like IVs If multi-categorical, report multiple effects Run and report model with and without controls Use controls others have used, and include them in hypotheses
*From Becker 2005 (12 recommendations consolidated)

Controls in SPSS
Just treat like IV
Unsupportive Coworkers Unsupportive Boss Work-Family Conflict Autonomy Burnout Job Satisfaction

Controls in AMOS
Also just treat like IV Place them below and consolidated
Unsupportive Coworkers Unsupportive Boss Work-Family Conflict Autonomy Burnout Job Satisfaction