Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Jeffrey R. Edwards
University of North Carolina
1
Outline
I. Types of Difference Scores
II. Questions Difference Scores Are Intended To Address
III. Problems With Difference Scores
IV. An Alternative Procedure
V. Analyzing Quadratic Regression Equations Using
Response Surface Methodology
VI. Moderated Polynomial Regression
VII. Mediated Polynomial Regression
VIII. Difference Scores As Dependent Variables
IX. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
2
Types of Difference Scores
Univariate:
Algebraic difference: (X – Y)
Absolute difference: |X – Y|
Squared difference: (X – Y)2
Multivariate:
Sum of algebraic differences: Σ(Xi – Yi) = D1
Sum of absolute differences: Σ|Xi – Yi| = |D|
Sum of squared differences: Σ(Xi – Yi)2 = D2
Euclidean distance: (Σ(Xi – Yi)2)½ = D
Profile correlation: C(Xi,Yi)/S(X)S(Y) = rXi,Yi = Q
3
Questions Difference Scores are
Intended to Address
How well do characteristics of the job fit the needs or desires of
the employee?
To what extent do job demands exceed or fall short of the
abilities of the person?
Are prior expectations of the employee met by actual job
experiences?
What is the degree of similarity between perceptions or beliefs of
supervisors and subordinates?
Do the values of the person match the culture of the organization?
Can novices provide performance evaluations that agree with
expert ratings?
4
Problems with Difference Scores:
Reliability
When component measures are positively
correlated, difference scores are often less
reliable than either component.
The reliability of an algebraic difference is:
y r yy 2 r xy x y
2 2
r
x xx+
(x y) =
y 2 r xy x y
2 2
x+
To illustrate, if X and Y have unit variances, have
reliabilities of .75, and are correlated .50, the
reliability of X – Y equals .50.
5
Problems with Difference Scores:
Conceptual Ambiguity
It might seem that component variables are reflected
equally in a difference score, given that the components
are implicitly assigned the same weight when the
difference score is constructed.
However, the variance of a difference score depends on the
variances and covariances of the component measures,
which are sample dependent.
When one component is a constant, the variance of a
difference score is solely due to the other component, i.e.,
the one that varies. For instance, when P-O fit is assessed
in a single organization, the P-O difference solely
represents variation in the person scores.
6
Problems with Difference Scores:
Confounded Effects
Difference scores confound the effects of the
components of the difference.
For example, an equation using an algebraic
difference as a predictor can be written as:
Z = b0 + b1(X – Y) + e
In this equation, b1 can reflect a positive
relationship for X, an negative relationship for
Y, or some combination thereof.
7
Problems with Difference Scores:
Untested Constraints
Difference scores constrain the coefficients relating
X and Y to Z without testing these constraints.
The constraints imposed by an algebraic difference
can be seen with the following equations:
Z = b0 + b1(X – Y) + e
Expansion yields:
Z = b0 + b1X – b1Y + e
8
Problems with Difference Scores:
Untested Constraints
Now, consider an equation that uses X and Y as
separate predictors:
Z = b 0 + b 1X + b 2Y + e
Using (X – Y) as a predictor constrains the
coefficients on X and Y to be equal in magnitude but
opposite in sign (i.e., b1 = –b2).
This constraint should not be simply imposed on the
data but instead should be treated as a hypothesis to
be tested.
9
Problems with Difference Scores:
Untested Constraints
The constraints imposed by a squared
difference can be seen with the following
equations:
Z = b0 + b1(X – Y)2 + e
Expansion yields:
Z = b0 + b1X2 – 2b1XY + b1Y2 + e
Thus, a squared difference implicitly treats Z
as a function of X2, XY, and Y2.
10
Problems with Difference Scores:
Untested Constraints
Now, consider a quadratic equation using X and Y:
Z = b0 + b1X + b2Y + b3X2 + b4XY + b5Y2 + e
Comparing this equation to the previous equation shows
that (X – Y)2 imposes four constraints:
b1 = 0
b2 = 0
b3 = b5, or b3 – b5 = 0
b3 + b4 + b5 = 0
11
Problems with Difference Scores:
Dimensional Reduction
Difference scores reduce the three-dimensional
relationship of X and Y with Z to two dimensions.
The linear algebraic difference function represents a
symmetric plane with equal but opposite slopes with
respect to the X-axis and Y-axis.
The V-shaped absolute difference function represents a
symmetric V-shaped surface with its minimum (or
maximum) running along the X = Y line.
The U-shaped squared difference function represents a
symmetric U-shaped surface with its minimum (or
maximum) running along the X = Y line.
12
Two-Dimensional Algebraic Difference
Function
7
4
Z
1
-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6
(X - Y)
13
Three-Dimensional Algebraic Difference
Function
14
Two-Dimensional Absolute Difference
Function
7
4
Z
1
-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6
(X - Y)
15
Three-Dimensional Absolute Difference
Function
16
Two-Dimensional Squared Difference
Function
7
4
Z
1
-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6
(X - Y)
17
Three-Dimensional Squared Difference
Function
18
Problems with Difference Scores:
Dimensional Reduction
These surfaces represent only three of the
many possible surfaces depicting how X and
Y may be related to Z.
This problem is compounded by the use of
profile similarity indices, which collapse a
series of three-dimensional surfaces into a
single two-dimensional function.
19
An Alternative Procedure
The relationship of X and Y with Z should be viewed
in three dimensions, with X and Y constituting the two
horizontal axes and Z constituting the vertical axis.
Analyses should focus not on two‑dimensional
functions relating the difference between X and Y to Z,
but instead on three‑dimensional surfaces depicting the
joint relationship of X and Y with Z.
Constraints should not be simply imposed on the data,
but instead should be viewed as hypotheses that, if
confirmed, lend support to the conceptual model upon
which the difference score is based.
20
Data Used for Illustration
Data were collected from 373 MBA students who were engaged in
the recruiting process.
Respondents rated the actual and desired amounts of various job
attributes and the anticipated satisfaction concerning a job for which
they had recently interviewed.
Actual and desired measured had three items and used 7-point
response scales ranging from “none at all” to “a very great amount.”
The satisfaction measured had three items and used a 7-point
response scale ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.”
The job attributes used for illustration are autonomy, prestige, span
of control, and travel.
21
Confirmatory Approach
When a difference scores represents a hypothesis
that is predicted a priori, the alternative procedure
should be applied using the confirmatory approach.
The R2 for the unconstrained equation should be
significant.
The coefficients in the unconstrained equation should
follow the pattern indicated by the difference score.
The constraints implied by the difference score should
not be rejected.
The set of terms one order higher than those in the
unconstrained equation should not be significant.
22
Confirmatory Approach Applied to the
Algebraic Difference
The unconstrained equation is:
Z = b0 + b1X + b2Y + e
The constrained equation used to evaluate the third
condition is:
Z = b0 + b1 (X – Y) + e
The equation that adds higher-order terms used to
evaluate the fourth condition is:
Z = b0 + b1X + b2Y + b3X2 + b4XY + b5Y2 + e
23
Example: Confirmatory Test of Algebraic
Difference for Autonomy
Unconstrained equation:
Dep Var: SAT N: 360 Multiple R: 0.356 Squared multiple R: 0.127
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.122 Standard error of estimate: 1.077
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 60.133 2 30.067 25.930 0.000
Residual 413.953 357 1.160
24
Example: Confirmatory Test of Algebraic
Difference for Autonomy
Unconstrained surface:
25
Example: Confirmatory Test of Algebraic
Difference for Autonomy
The first condition is met, because the R 2 from
the unconstrained equation is significant.
The second condition is met, because the
coefficients on X and Y are significant and in
the expected direction.
For the third condition, testing the constraints
imposed by the algebraic difference is the same
as testing the difference in R2 between the
constrained and unconstrained equations.
26
Example: Confirmatory Test of Algebraic
Difference for Autonomy
Constrained equation:
Dep Var: SAT N: 360 Multiple R: 0.339 Squared multiple R: 0.115
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.113 Standard error of estimate: 1.082
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 54.589 1 54.589 46.586 0.000
Residual 419.498 358 1.172
27
Example: Confirmatory Test of Algebraic
Difference for Autonomy
Constrained surface:
28
Example: Confirmatory Test of Algebraic
Difference for Autonomy
The general formula for the difference in R2 between
two regression equations is:
(R 2U R C2 ) /(df C df U )
F
(1 R 2U ) / df U
The test of the constraint imposed by the algebraic
difference for autonomy is:
(.127 .115) /(358 357)
4.91, p .05
(1 .127) / 357
The constraint is rejected, so the third condition is
not satisfied.
29
Example: Confirmatory Test of Algebraic
Difference for Autonomy
For the fourth condition, the unconstrained
equation for the algebraic equation is linear, so
the higher-order terms are the three quadratic
terms X2, XY, and Y2.
Testing the three quadratic terms as a set is the
same as testing the difference in R 2 between the
linear and quadratic equations.
30
Example: Confirmatory Test of Algebraic
Difference for Autonomy
Quadratic equation:
Dep Var: SAT N: 360 Multiple R: 0.411 Squared multiple R: 0.169
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.157 Standard error of estimate: 1.055
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 79.951 5 15.990 14.362 0.000
Residual 394.135 354 1.113
31
Example: Confirmatory Test of Algebraic
Difference for Autonomy
The test of the higher-order terms associated with
the algebraic difference for autonomy:
(.169 .127) /(357 354)
5.96, p .05
(1 .169) / 354
The higher-order terms are significant, so the fourth
condition is not satisfied.
32
Confirmatory Approach Applied to the
Absolute Difference
The unconstrained equation is:
Z = b0 + b1X + b2Y + b3W + b4WX + b5WY + e
The constrained equation used to evaluate the third
condition is:
Z = b0 + b1 |X – Y| + e
The equation that adds higher-order terms used to
evaluate the fourth condition is:
Z = b0 + b1X + b2Y + b3W + b4WX + b5WY +
b6X2 + b7XY + b8Y2 + b9WX2 + b10WXY + b10WY2 + e
33
Example: Confirmatory Test of Absolute
Difference for Autonomy
Unconstrained equation:
Dep Var: SAT N: 360 Multiple R: 0.399 Squared multiple R: 0.159
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.147 Standard error of estimate: 1.061
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 75.381 5 15.076 13.386 0.000
Residual 398.705 354 1.126
34
Example: Confirmatory Test of Absolute
Difference for Autonomy
Unconstrained surface:
35
Example: Confirmatory Test of Absolute
Difference for Autonomy
The first condition is met, because the R 2 from
the unconstrained equation is significant.
The second condition is not met, because the
coefficients on X and Y are not significant, and
in the expected direction.
For the third condition, testing the constraints
imposed by the absolute difference is the same
as testing the difference in R2 between the
constrained and unconstrained equations.
36
Example: Confirmatory Test of Absolute
Difference for Autonomy
Constrained equation:
Dep Var: SAT N: 360 Multiple R: 0.323 Squared multiple R: 0.105
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.102 Standard error of estimate: 1.089
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 49.555 1 49.555 41.788 0.000
Residual 424.532 358 1.186
37
Example: Confirmatory Test of Absolute
Difference for Autonomy
Constrained surface:
38
Example: Confirmatory Test of Absolute
Difference for Autonomy
The test of the constraints imposed by the absolute
difference for autonomy is:
(.159 .105) /(358 354)
5.68, p .05
(1 .159) / 354
The constraints are rejected, so the third condition is
not satisfied.
39
Example: Confirmatory Test of Absolute
Difference for Autonomy
For the fourth condition, the unconstrained
equation for the absolute equation is piecewise
linear, so the higher-order terms are the six
quadratic terms X2, XY, Y2, WX2, WXY, and
WY2.
Testing the six quadratic terms as a set is the
same as testing the difference in R2 between
the piecewise linear and piecewise quadratic
equations.
40
Example: Confirmatory Test of Absolute
Difference for Autonomy
Piecewise quadratic equation:
Dep Var: SAT N: 360 Multiple R: 0.431 Squared multiple R: 0.185
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.160 Standard error of estimate: 1.053
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 87.940 11 7.995 7.205 0.000
Residual 386.146 348 1.110
41
Example: Confirmatory Test of Absolute
Difference for Autonomy
The test of the higher-order terms associated with
the absolute difference for autonomy is:
(.185 .159) /(354 348)
1.85, p .05
(1 .185) / 348
The higher-order terms are not significant, so the
fourth condition is satisfied.
42
Confirmatory Approach Applied to the
Squared Difference
The unconstrained equation is:
Z = b0 + b1X + b2Y + b3X2 + b4XY + b5Y2 + e
The constrained equation used to evaluate the third
condition is:
Z = b0 + b1 (X – Y)2 + e
The equation that adds higher-order terms used to evaluate
the fourth condition is:
Z = b0 + b1X + b2Y + b3X2 + b4XY + b5Y2 +
b6X3 + b7X2Y + b8XY2 + b9Y3 + e
43
Example: Confirmatory Test of Squared
Difference for Autonomy
Unconstrained equation:
Dep Var: SAT N: 360 Multiple R: 0.411 Squared multiple R: 0.169
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.157 Standard error of estimate: 1.055
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 79.951 5 15.990 14.362 0.000
Residual 394.135 354 1.113
44
Example: Confirmatory Test of Squared
Difference for Autonomy
Unconstrained surface:
45
Example: Confirmatory Test of Squared
Difference for Autonomy
The first condition is met, because the R 2 from
the unconstrained equation is significant.
The second condition is not met, because the
coefficients on X and Y are significant, and the
coefficients on X2 and Y2 are not significant.
For the third condition, testing the constraints
imposed by the squared difference is the same
as testing the difference in R2 between the
constrained and unconstrained equations.
46
Example: Confirmatory Test of Squared
Difference for Autonomy
Constrained equation:
Dep Var: SAT N: 360 Multiple R: 0.310 Squared multiple R: 0.096
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.093 Standard error of estimate: 1.094
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 45.463 1 45.463 37.972 0.000
Residual 428.623 358 1.197
47
Example: Confirmatory Test of Squared
Difference for Autonomy
Constrained surface:
48
Example: Confirmatory Test of Squared
Difference for Autonomy
The test of the constraint imposed by the squared
difference for autonomy is:
(.169 .096) /(358 354)
7.77, p .05
(1 .169) / 354
The constraint is rejected, so the third condition is
not satisfied.
49
Example: Confirmatory Test of Squared
Difference for Autonomy
For the fourth condition, the unconstrained
equation for the squared equation is quadratic,
so the higher-order terms are the four cubic
terms X3, X2Y, XY2, and Y3.
Testing the four cubic terms as a set is the same
as testing the difference in R2 between the
quadratic and cubic equations.
50
Example: Confirmatory Test of Squared
Difference for Autonomy
Cubic equation:
Dep Var: SAT N: 360 Multiple R: 0.436 Squared multiple R: 0.190
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.170 Standard error of estimate: 1.047
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 90.233 9 10.026 9.142 0.000
Residual 383.853 350 1.097
51
Example: Confirmatory Test of Squared
Difference for Autonomy
The test of the higher-order terms associated with
the squared difference for autonomy is:
(.190 .169) /(354 350)
2.27, p .05
(1 .190) / 350
The higher-order terms are not significant, so the
fourth condition is satisfied.
52
Analyzing Quadratic Regression Equations
Using Response Surface Methodology
Response surface methodology can be used to analyze
features of surfaces corresponding to quadratic
regression equations. These analyses are useful for
three reasons:
Constraints imposed by difference scores are usually rejected,
which makes it necessary to interpret unconstrained equations.
Many conceptually meaningful hypotheses cannot be
expressed using difference scores.
Response surfaces can themselves serve as the basis for
developing and testing hypotheses.
53
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
Stationary Point
The stationary point is the point at which the
slope of the surface relating X and Y to Z is
zero in all directions.
For convex (i.e., bowl-shaped) surfaces, the
stationary point is the overall minimum of the
surface with respect to the Z axis.
For concave (i.e., dome-shaped) surfaces, the
stationary point is the overall maximum of the
surface with respect to the Z axis.
For saddle-shaped surfaces, the stationary point is
where the surface is flat with respect to the Z axis.
54
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
Stationary Point
The coordinates of the stationary point can be
computed using the following formulas:
b 2 b 4 2b1b5
X0 =
4b3b5 b 4 2
b1b 4 2 b 2 b 3
Y0 =
4 b 3b5 b 42
55
Example: Stationary Point for Autonomy
Applying these formulas to the equation for
autonomy yields:
( 0.293)( 0.276) 2(0.197)( 0.035)
X0 = = 0.982
4( 0.056)( 0.035) 0.276 2
56
Example: Stationary Point for Autonomy
Stationary Point
57
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
Principal Axes
The principal axes describe the orientation of the
surface with respect to the X,Y plane. The axes are
perpendicular and intersect at the stationary point.
For convex surfaces, the upward curvature is greatest along
the first principal axis and least along the second principal
axis.
For concave surfaces, the downward curvature is greatest
along the second principal axis and least along the first
principal axis.
For saddle-shaped surfaces, upward curvature is greatest
along the first principal axis, and the downward curvature is
greatest along the second principal axis.
58
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
First Principal Axis
An equation for the first principal axis is:
Y p10 p11X
The formula for the slope of the first principal axis
(i.e., p11) is:
b5 b 3 ( b 3 b5 ) 2 b 24
p11 = .
b4
Using X0, Y0, and p11, the intercept of the first
principal axis (i.e., p10) can be calculated as follows:
p10 Y0 p11 X 0
59
Example: First Principal Axis for
Autonomy
Applying these formulas to the equation for
autonomy yields:
60
Example: First Principal Axis for
Autonomy
61
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
Second Principal Axis
An equation for the second principal axis is:
Y p 20 p 21X
The formula for the slope of the second principal axis
(i.e., p21) is:
b5 b3 (b3 b5 ) b 2 2
4
p 21 = .
b4
X0, Y0, and p21 can be used to obtain the intercept of
the second principal axis (i.e., p20) as follows:
p 20 Y0 p 21X 0
62
Example: Second Principal Axis for
Autonomy
Applying these formulas to the equation for
autonomy yields:
63
Example: Second Principal Axis for
Autonomy
64
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
Shape Along the Y = X Line
The shape of the surface along a line in the X,Y plane
can be estimated by substituting the expression for
the line into the quadratic regression equation.
To estimate the slope along the Y = X line, X is
substituted for Y in the quadratic regression equation,
which yields:
Z = b0 + b1X + b2X + b3X2 + b4X2 + b5X2 + e
= b0 + (b1 + b2)X + (b3 + b4 + b5)X2 + e
The term (b3 + b4 + b5) represents the curvature of the
surface along the Y = X line, and (b1 + b2) is the slope
of the surface at the point X = 0.
65
Example: Shape Along Y = X Line for
Autonomy
For autonomy, the shape of the surface along
the Y = X line is:
Z = 5.825 + [0.197 + (–0.293)]X
+ [–0.056 + 0.276 + (–0.035)]X2 + e
Simplifying this expression yields:
Z = 5.825 – 0.096X + 0.185X2 + e
The surface is curved upward along the Y = X
line and is negatively sloped at the point X = 0
(the curvature is significant at p < .05).
66
Example: Shape Along Y = X Line for
Autonomy
Contours Show
Shape Along
Y = X Line
67
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
Shape Along Y = –X Line
To estimate the slope along the Y = –X line, –
X is substituted for Y in the quadratic
regression equation, which yields:
Z = b0 + b1X – b2X + b3X2 – b4X2 + b5X2 + e
= b0 + (b1 – b2)X + (b3 – b4 + b5)X2 + e
The term (b3 – b4 + b5) represents the curvature
of the surface along the Y = –X line, and (b 1 –
b2) is the slope of the surface at the point X =
0.
68
Example: Shape Along Y = –X Line for
Autonomy
For autonomy, the shape of the surface along
the Y = –X line is:
Z = 5.825 + [0.197 – (–0.293)]X
+ [–0.056 – 0.276 + (–0.035)]X2 + e
Simplifying this expression yields:
Z = 5.825 + 0.490X – 0.367X2 + e
The surface is curved downward along the Y =
–X line and is positively sloped at the point X
= 0 (both are significant at p < .05).
69
Example: Shape Along Y = –X Line for
Autonomy
Contours Show
Shape Along
Y = –X Line
70
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
Shape Along First Principal Axis
To estimate the slope along the first principal axis, p10
+ p11X is substituted for Y:
Z b0 b1X b 2 ( p10 p11X ) b3X 2 b4 X( p10 p11X )
b5 ( p10 p11 X ) 2 e
b0 b 2 p10 b5 p10
2
( b1 b 2 p11 b 4 p10 2b5 p10 p11 ) X
( b3 b 4 p11 b5 p11
2
)X 2 e
The composite terms preceding X2 and X are the
curvature of the surface along the first principal axis
and the slope of the surface at the point X = 0.
71
Example: Shape Along First Principal
Axis for Autonomy
For autonomy, the shape of the surface along
the first principal axis is:
Z 5.825 ( 0.293)( 1.375) ( 0.035)( 1.3752 )
[0.197 ( 0.293)(1.079) (0.276)( 1.375)
2( 0.035)( 1.375)(1.079)]X
[0.056 (0.276)(1.079) ( 0.035)(1.0792 )]X 2 e
6.162 0.395X 0.201X 2 e
The surface is curved upward along the first
principal axis and is negatively sloped at the
point X = 0 (both are significant at p < .05).
72
Example: Shape Along First Principal
Axis for Autonomy
Contours Show
Shape Along
First Principal
Axis
73
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
Shape Along Second Principal Axis
To estimate the slope along the second principal axis,
p20 + p21X is substituted for Y:
Z b0 b1X b 2 ( p 20 p 21X ) b3X 2 b 4 X( p 20 p 21X )
b5 ( p 20 p 21X ) e
2
b0 b 2 p 20 b5 p 220 ( b1 b 2 p 21 b 4 p 20 2b5 p 20 p 21 ) X
( b 3 b 4 p 21 b5 p 221 ) X 2 e
The composite terms preceding X2 and X are the
curvature of the surface along the second principal
axis and the slope of the surface at the point X = 0.
74
Example: Shape Along Second Principal
Axis for Autonomy
For autonomy, the shape of the surface along the
second principal axis is:
Z 5.825 ( 0.293)(0.594) ( 0.035)(0.5942 )
[0.197 ( 0.293)( 0.927) (0.276)(0.594)
2( 0.035)(0.594)( 0.927)]X
[ 0.056 (0.276)( 0.927) ( 0.035)( 0.9272 )]X 2 e
5.639 0.671X 0.342X 2 e
The surface is curved downward along the second
principal axis and is positively sloped at the point X =
0 (both are significant at p < .05).
75
Example: Shape Along Second Principal
Axis for Autonomy
Contours Show
Shape Along
Second
Principal Axis
76
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
Tests of Significance
The formulas for shapes along predetermined lines
such as Y = X and Y = –X can be tested using
procedures for testing weighted linear combinations
of regression coefficients.
For example, a t-test for b1 + b2 is obtained by
dividing b1 + b2 by its standard error, or the square
root of the variance of b1 + b2:
S( b1 b 2 ) V( b1 ) V( b 2 ) 2C( b1 , b 2 )
The variances of b1 and b2 are the squares of their
standard errors, and the covariance of b1 and b2 is their
correlation times their standard errors.
77
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
Tests of Significance
Weighted linear combinations of regression
coefficients can also be tested using routines
available in many statistical packages.
Another approach is to test the reduction in R 2
produced by the constraint represented by the
weighted linear combination of coefficients.
For instance, to jointly test (b 1 + b2) and (b3 +
b4 + b5), we set both quantities equal to zero
and impose the resulting constraints.
78
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
Tests of Significance
The expression b1 + b2 = 0 implies b2 = –b1. Likewise,
the expression b3 + b4 + b5 = 0 implies b5 = –b3 – b4.
Imposing these constraints on the quadratic
regression equation yields:
Z = b0 + b1X – b1Y + b3X2 + b4XY + (–b3 – b4)Y2 + e
The expression simplifies to:
Z = b0 + b1(X – Y) + b3(X2 – Y2) + b4(XY – Y2) + e
The reduction in R2 from this equation relative to the
R2 from the quadratic equation is a joint test of b 1 +
b2 = 0 and b3 + b4 + b5 = 0.
79
Key Features of Response Surfaces:
Tests of Significance
X0, Y0, p10, p11, p20, p21, and slopes along the principal
axes are nonlinear combinations of regression
coefficients. For these quantities, significance tests can
be conducted using the bootstrap, as follows:
A large number (e.g., 10,000) of samples of size N are
randomly drawn with replacement.
Each sample is used to estimate the quadratic regression
equation.
The coefficients from each sample are used to compute X 0, Y0,
81
Example: Testing Response Surface
Features for Autonomy
For autonomy, this test yields the following
result:
Hypothesis.
A Matrix
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 0.0 1.000 1.000 0.0 0.0 0.0
2 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.000 1.000 1.000
Test of Hypothesis
Source SS df MS F P
82
Example: Testing Response Surface
Features for Autonomy
Separate tests of (b1 + b2) and (b3 + b4 + b5) are
yielded by the following commands:
MGLH
MOD SAT=CONSTANT+AUTCA+AUTCD+AUTCA2+AUTCAD+AUTCD2
EST
HYP
AMA [0 1 1 0 0 0]
TEST
HYP
AMA [0 0 0 1 1 1]
TEST
83
Example: Testing Response Surface
Features for Autonomy
For autonomy, the results are:
A Matrix
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 0.0 1.000 1.000 0.0 0.0 0.0
Test of Hypothesis
Source SS df MS F P
A Matrix
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.000 1.000 1.000
Test of Hypothesis
Source SS df MS F P
84
Example: Testing Response Surface
Features for Autonomy
Likewise, a joint test of (b1 – b2) and (b3 – b4 +
b5), which represent the slope at the point X = 0
and the curvature along the Y = – X line, is
yielded by the following commands:
MGLH
MOD SAT=CONSTANT+AUTCA+AUTCD+AUTCA2+AUTCAD+AUTCD2
EST
HYP
AMA [0 1 -1 0 0 0;,
0 0 0 1 -1 1]
TEST
85
Example: Testing Response Surface
Features for Autonomy
For autonomy, this test yields the following
result:
Hypothesis.
A Matrix
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 0.0 1.000 -1.000 0.0 0.0 0.0
2 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.000 -1.000 1.000
Test of Hypothesis
Source SS df MS F P
86
Example: Testing Response Surface
Features for Autonomy
Separate tests of (b1 – b2) and (b3 – b4 + b5) are
yielded by the following commands:
MGLH
MOD SAT=CONSTANT+AUTCA+AUTCD+AUTCA2+AUTCAD+AUTCD2
EST
HYP
AMA [0 1 -1 0 0 0]
TEST
HYP
AMA [0 0 0 1 -1 1]
TEST
87
Example: Testing Response Surface
Features for Autonomy
For autonomy, the results are:
A Matrix
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 0.0 1.000 -1.000 0.0 0.0 0.0
Test of Hypothesis
Source SS df MS F P
A Matrix
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.000 -1.000 1.000
Test of Hypothesis
Source SS df MS F P
88
Example: Testing Response Surface
Features for Autonomy
In SYSTAT, the bootstrap is implemented with
the following commands:
MGLH
MOD SAT=CONSTANT+AUTCA+AUTCD+AUTCA2+AUTCAD+AUTCD2
SAVE AUTBOOT.SYD/COEF
EST/SAMPLE=BOOT(10000)
91
Moderated Polynomial Regression
In some cases, the effect represented by a quadratic
regression equation is believed to be moderated by
another variable.
Incorporating the moderator variable V into a
quadratic regression equation yields:
Z = b0 + b1X + b2Y + b3X2 + b4XY + b5Y2 + b6V +
b7XV + b8YV + b9X2V + b10XYV + b11Y2V + e
Moderation is tested by assessing the increment in R2
yielded by the terms XV, YV, X2V, XYV, and Y2V.
92
Moderated Polynomial Regression
The moderated quadratic regression equation can be
rewritten to show simple surfaces at selected levels
of the moderator variable, as follows:
Z = (b0 + b6V) + (b1 + b7V)X + (b2 + b8V)Y +
(b3 + b9V)X2 + (b4 + b10V)XY + (b5 + b11V)Y2 + e
The compound coefficients on the terms X, Y, X2,
XY, and Y2 can be tested using procedures for testing
weighted linear combinations of regression
coefficients.
93
Example: Moderated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Quadratic equation with importance as a moderator:
Dep Var: SAT N: 357 Multiple R: 0.431 Squared multiple R: 0.186
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.160 Standard error of estimate: 1.057
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 88.023 11 8.002 7.158 0.000
Residual 385.670 345 1.118
94
Example: Moderated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
The test of the increment in R2 yielded by the five
moderator terms is:
95
Example: Moderated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Simple quadratic equations at low, medium,
and high levels of importance:
X Y X2 XY Y2
Low 0.21 -0.33** -0.00 0.41* -0.14
Medium 0.16 -0.23 -0.05 0.36** -0.12
High 0.11 -0.13 -0.09 0.32** -0.10
96
Example: Moderated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Simple surface for low importance:
97
Example: Moderated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Simple surface for medium importance:
98
Example: Moderated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Simple surface for high importance:
99
Mediated Polynomial Regression
On occasion, the effect represented by a quadratic
regression equation is believed to be mediated by (i.e.,
transmitted through) another variable.
Mediation can be analyzed using two regression
equations, one that regresses the mediator on the five
quadratic terms, and another that regresses the
outcome on the five quadratic terms and the mediator:
M = a0 + a1X + a2Y + a3X2 + a4XY + a5Y2 + eM
Z = b0 + b1M + b2X + b3Y + b4X2 + b5XY + b6Y2 + eZ
100
Mediated Polynomial Regression
The mediated effect represented by these two equation
can be derived by substituting the equation for M into
the equation for Z to obtain a reduced form equation:
Z = b0 + b1(a0 + a1X + a2Y + a3X2 + a4XY + a5Y2 + eM)
+ b2X + b3Y + b4X2 + b5XY + b6Y2 + eZ
Distribution yields:
Z = b0 + a0b1 + a1b1X + a2b1Y + a3b1X2 + a4b1XY +
a5b1Y2 + b1eM + b2X + b3Y + b4X2 + b5XY + b6Y2
+ eZ
101
Mediated Polynomial Regression
Collecting like terms yields:
Z = (b0 + a0b1) + (b2 + a1b1)X + (b3 + a2b1)Y +
(b4 + a3b1)X2 + (b5 + a4b1)XY + (b6 + a5b1)Y2 +
(eZ + b1eM)
The compound coefficients on X, Y, X2, XY, and Y2
capture the portion of the quadratic effect mediated by
M as the products a1b1, a2b1, a3b1, a4b1, and a5b1.
The portion of the quadratic effect that bypasses M is
captured by b2, b3, b4, b5, and b6.
These coefficients can be analyzed separately and
jointly to examine the mediated quadratic102
effect.
Example: Mediated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Quadratic equation with intent to take the focal job as the
outcome variable:
Dep Var: INT N: 360 Multiple R: 0.276 Squared multiple R: 0.076
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.063 Standard error of estimate: 1.174
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 40.397 5 8.079 5.858 0.000
Residual 488.231 354 1.379
103
Example: Mediated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Quadratic equation with satisfaction as the mediator variable:
Dep Var: SAT N: 360 Multiple R: 0.411 Squared multiple R: 0.169
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.157 Standard error of estimate: 1.055
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 79.951 5 15.990 14.362 0.000
Residual 394.135 354 1.113
104
Example: Mediated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Quadratic equation with intent to take the focal job as the
outcome variable and satisfaction as the mediating variable:
Dep Var: INT N: 360 Multiple R: 0.760 Squared multiple R: 0.578
Adjusted squared multiple R: 0.571 Standard error of estimate: 0.795
Analysis of Variance
Source Sum-of-Squares df Mean-Square F-ratio P
Regression 305.506 6 50.918 80.556 0.000
Residual 223.122 353 0.632
105
Example: Mediated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
The compound coefficients are:
b0 + a0b1 = 1.07 + 5.83 × 0.82 = 1.07 + 4.78 = 5.85
b2 + a1b1 = 0.00 + 0.20 × 0.82 = 0.00 + 0.16 = 0.16
b3 + a2b1 = –0.00 – 0.29 × 0.82 = –0.00 – 0.24 = –0.24
b4 + a3b1 = –0.03 – 0.06 × 0.82 = –0.03 – 0.05 = –0.08
b5 + a4b1 = –0.03 + 0.28 × 0.82 = –0.03 + 0.23 = 0.20
b6 + a5b1 = 0.04 – 0.04 × 0.82 = 0.04 – 0.03 = 0.01
The individual coefficients can be tested using the
reported standard errors, and the products of
coefficients can be tested using the bootstrap.
106
Example: Mediated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Tests of individual and compound coefficients:
Direct1 First Second Indirect Total
Effect Stage Stage Effect Effect
Intercept 1.07** 5.83** 0.82** 4.78** 5.85**
X 0.00 0.20* 0.82** 0.16* 0.16
Y –0.00 –0.29** 0.82** –0.24** –0.24*
X2 –0.03 –0.06 0.82** –0.05 –0.08
XY –0.03 0.28** 0.82** 0.23** 0.20
Y2 0.04 –0.04 0.82** –0.03 0.01
1The direct effect of the five quadratic terms was not significant.
107
Example: Mediated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Surface for unmediated effect:
108
Example: Mediated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Surface for direct effect:
109
Example: Mediated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Surface for first stage of indirect effect:
110
Example: Mediated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Surface for indirect effect:
111
Example: Mediated Polynomial
Regression for Autonomy
Surface for total effect:
112
Difference Scores as Dependent Variables
Many of the problems that occur when difference
scores are used as independent variables also
occur when they are used as dependent variables.
Alternative procedures for difference scores as
dependent variables are fundamentally different
from those for difference scores as independent
variables.
We will briefly consider procedures when the
dependent variable is an algebraic difference and
both components are endogenous, meaning they
are caused by the independent variables.
113
Difference Scores as Dependent Variables
114
Difference Scores as Dependent Variables
The correspondence between these equations can be seen
by subtracting the Y2 equation from the Y1 equation, which
yields:
(Y1 – Y2) = (b10 – b20) + (b11 – b21)X + (e1 – e2)
This subtraction shows the following:
b0 = b10 – b20
b1 = b11 – b21
These expressions reveal a fundamental ambiguity, in that
b0 and b1 indicate the differences between the intercepts
and slopes, respectively, from the Y1 and Y2 equations, but
they provide no information regarding the absolute
magnitudes of these intercepts and slopes.
115
Difference Scores as Dependent Variables
This ambiguity is illustrated by the following examples,
all of which yield the same value for b1.
This pattern indicates that the effects of X on Y1 and Y2
are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign:
b11 = b1/2, b21 = –b1/2
Here, X is positively related to Y1 and unrelated to Y2:
b11 = b1, b21 = 0
Here, X is negatively related to Y2 and unrelated to Y1:
b11 = 0, b21 = –b1
These examples show that b1 is essentially useless for
determining the effect of X on Y1 and Y2.
116
Difference Scores as Dependent Variables
The alternative procedure uses Y1 and Y2 jointly as
dependent variables in multivariate regression equations.
The multivariate equations reveal the separate effects of
X on Y1 and Y2 and can be used to test whether these
effects correspond to hypotheses implied when (Y1 – Y2)
is used as a dependent variable.
The procedure provides multivariate tests of the effects
of X on Y1 and Y2 and differences between these effects.
Multivariate piecewise regression equations can be used
as an alternative to |Y1 – Y2| is used as a dependent
variable.
117
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which higher-order terms should I use? Are squared and product
terms sufficient, or should I also use cubed terms, the products of
squared and first-order terms, etc.?
A: The higher-order terms to be included in the equation depend
entirely on one’s hypotheses regarding the joint relationships of
X and Y with Z. In most cases, I have found that the three
quadratic terms (i.e., X2, XY, and Y2) are sufficient to capture
most theoretically meaningful effects. In exploratory analyses, I
have found significant effects for cubic and quartic terms, but
these rarely survive cross-validation and are often symptoms of a
few outliers or influential cases in the data.
118
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I interpret the coefficients on X 2, XY, and Y2? I understand
what they each mean separately, but thinking about them all together
is confusing.
A: The coefficients on X2, XY, and Y2 should be interpreted along with
the coefficients on X and Y as a set, because these coefficients
collectively describe the shape of the surface relating X and Y to Z.
Trying to interpret any one of these coefficients in the absence of the
others will often yield erroneous conclusions. Instead, surfaces
indicated by quadratic regression equations should be treated as
whole entities, and features of the surfaces can be tested using
response surface methodology. A major motivation for applying
response surface methodology was my frustration when trying to
make sense of coefficients from quadratic equations. Response
surface methodology makes the task much easier.
119
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Given that the coefficients on X and Y are scale dependent when X 2,
XY, and Y2 in the equation, how can I meaningfully interpret these
coefficients?
A: The coefficients on X and Y (i.e., b1 and b2) are indeed scale
dependent. However, this simply reflects the fact that b 1 and b2
indicate the slope of the surface where X and Y are zero (i.e., the
origin of the X,Y plane). One could add or subtract arbitrary
constants to X and Y and change the values of b 1 and b2, but doing so
may shift the origins of X and Y beyond the bounds of the data,
where it doesn’t make sense to estimate b 1 and b2 in the first place. A
more reasonable strategy is to scale X and Y such that their origins
represent a meaningful point in the distribution of the data in the X,Y
plane, such as a point midway between their means or the midpoint
of their common scale.
120
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How large should my sample be?
A: The sample should be large enough to provide the statistical power
needed to test constraints and combinations of regression
coefficients required to test hypotheses. Power is important because
showing support for constraints requires support for the null
hypothesis (i.e., the R2 values for the constrained and unconstrained
equations do not differ). A related concern is that the sample should
provide adequate dispersion of cases in the X,Y plane. For
example, if cases are skewed in the direction of X > Y or X < Y, it
will be very difficult to detect changes in the slope of the surface
along the Y = –X line, which are usually of interest in congruence
research. Keep in mind that skewness on either side of the Y = –X
line cannot be detected by examining the distributions of X and Y
separately.
121
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have seen measures that ask the respondent to directly compare the
degree to which X deviates from Y. Doesn’t this approach avoid the
problems with difference scores?
A: Not really. Although it removes the need for the researcher to calculate
the difference, it does not guarantee that the respondent will not
implicitly or explicitly calculate the difference between X and Y when
providing a response (many response scales for such items prompt the
respondent to do just that). If this occurs, then items that solicit direct
comparisons are subject to the problems as difference scores, because
these problems do not depend on who calculates the difference.
Moreover, direct comparison items hopelessly confound X and Y
(analogous to any “double-barreled” item) and force the researcher to
take a two-dimensional view of the relationship of X and Y with Z,
even when a three-dimensional view may be more informative.
122
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: The unconstrained equations for profile similarity indices contain so
many items. How do I interpret all those coefficients, and what do I
do about degrees of freedom?
A: Testing the full set of constraints imposed D 1, |D|, and D2 does indeed
require using items for all of the dimensions as predictors. However,
the items constituting profiles can often be grouped into conceptually
homogeneous subsets. Scales corresponding to these subsets can then
be constructed, which can drastically reduce the effective number of
dimensions to be analyzed. This not only makes interpretation easier,
but also reduces sample size requirements. Moreover, higher-order
terms for each dimension can be tested as sets, and those that are not
significant may be dropped (for an illustration of this, see Edwards,
1993). Of course, models derived in this manner should be
considered exploratory, pending cross-validation.
123
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: By not using difference scores, aren’t we ignoring “fit?”
A: Models using difference scores are simply special cases of general
models containing the components of the difference. Hence, these
general models subsume those that use difference scores. The general
models also permit tests of the constraints imposed by difference
scores, which remain unverified when difference scores are used.
Moreover, fit hypotheses can usually be restated in terms of
relationships involving the variables that constitute the fit construct.
By stating hypotheses in these terms, one can verify that relationships
for these variables conform to patterns depicted by fit hypotheses.
Thus, the use of component variables, supplemented by higher-order
terms and response surface analyses, permit tests of most fit hypotheses
as well as hypotheses difference scores cannot depict. This approach
lets the researcher gain much and lose little, if anything at all.
124
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I apply the quadratic approach to structural
equations modeling?
A: Drawing from the literature on moderated structural
equation modeling, I have developed procedures for
specifying and estimating quadratic structural equation
models and applying response surface methodology.
These procedures require squares and products of the
indicators of first-order latent variables, involve
complex nonlinear constraints on parameters, and use
estimation methods for nonnormal data. I hope to finish
a manuscript describing this procedure in the near
future.
125
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you generate those fancy graphs?
A: I have traditionally used SYSTAT, which is great for
plotting three-dimensional surfaces and adding contour
lines, principal axes, and so forth. Surfaces can also be
plotted using Microsoft Excel, and I have developed a
file that allows the user to enter coefficient estimates
from a quadratic equation and the minimum and
maximum values of X and Y to produce a surface. This
file can be downloaded from my website at:
http://public.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/faculty/edwardsj/downloads.htm
126
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you recommend empirical examples of
polynomial regression in the organizational
behavior literature?
A: The use of polynomial regression has grown
since its introduction. Examples published
through 2000 are cited in the Edwards (2001)
article on difference score myths, and more
recent examples are cited in the meta-analysis
conducted by Kristof-Brown et al. (2005).
127
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Your approach looks like a real pain. Can I just pretend it
doesn’t exist? Or, can I just cite your work to make it look like
I'm doing what you recommend?
A: Some researchers tenaciously cling to difference scores. Old
habits die hard. As a case in point, in a 1992 Psychological
Bulletin article, Lee Cronbach lamented that researchers continue
to use profile similarity indices he once advocated (Cronbach,
1955; Cronbach & Gleser, 1953) but subsequently disavowed
(Cronbach, 1958). Researchers have also developed clever ways
of citing articles that criticize difference scores without
following the advice in the articles. Here are some of my
favorites, quoted from studies that cite Edwards (1994):
128
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
“Computing a correlation across dimensions for each individual to
predict outcomes of fit or congruence represents a flawed measure of
fit (Edwards, 1994). However, for our purposes here, correlations
across individuals within a dimension provide an appropriate
measure of the relationship between person and environment.”
“The reliabilities of the difference scores created to assess similarity
were relatively high, so it seemed simpler and more understandable
to keep the analysis as it was rather than to apply more complicated
alternatives (e.g., Edwards, 1994).”
“Unmet expectations were assessed by subtracting scores on each
item for the early expectations from scores on each item from the
current situation . . . Problems in measuring and analyzing
discrepancy scores, and unmet expectations in particular, have been
reported recently (Edwards, 1994) . . . these problems have not been
entirely overcome here.”
129
Key References
Bohrnstedt, G. W., & Goldberger, A. S. (1969). On the exact covariance of products of random variables.
Journal of the American Statistical Association, 64, 1439-1442.
Bohrnstedt, G. W., & Marwell, G. (1978). The reliability of products of two random variables. In K. F.
Schuessler, (Ed.), Sociological Methodology 1978 (pp. 254-273). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Edwards, J. R. (1994). The study of congruence in organizational behavior research: Critique and a proposed
alternative. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 58, 51-100 (erratum, 58, 323-325).
Edwards, J. R., & Parry, M. E. (1993). On the use of polynomial regression equations as an alternative to
difference scores in organizational research. Academy of Management Journal, 36, 1577-1613.
Edwards, J. R. (1995). Alternatives to difference scores as dependent variables in the study of congruence in
organizational research. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 64, 307-324.
Edwards, J. R. (2001). Ten difference score myths. Organizational Research Methods, 4, 264-286.
Edwards, J. R. (2002). Alternatives to difference scores: Polynomial regression analysis and response surface
methodology. In F. Drasgow & N. W. Schmitt (Eds.), Advances in measurement and data analysis (pp. 350-
400). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Kristof-Brown, A. L., Zimmerman, R. D., & Johnson, E. C. (2005). Consequences of individual's fit at work: A
meta-analysis of person-job, person-organization, person-group, and person-supervisor fit. Personnel
Psychology, 58, 281-342.
Mooney, C. Z., & Duval, R. D. (1993). Bootstrapping: A nonparametric approach to statistical inference.
Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
Stine, R. (1989). An introduction to bootstrap methods. Sociological Methods & Research, 18, 243-291.
130