Work

The use of cognitive ability measures as explanatory variables in regression analysis

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: Abstract Cognitive ability measures are often taken as explanatory variables in regression analysis, e.g., as a factor affecting a market outcome such as an individual’s wage, or a decision such as an individual’s education acquisition. Cognitive ability is a latent construct; its true value is unobserved. Nonetheless, researchers often assume that a test score, constructed via standard psychometric practice from individuals’ responses to test items, can be safely used in regression analysis. We examine problems that can arise, and suggest that an alternative approach, a “mixed effects structural equations” (MESE) model, may be more appropriate in many circumstances. JEL Code J01

Source: IZA Journal of Labor Economics

DOI: 10.1186/2193-8997-1-4

Authors: Brian Junker, Lynne Steuerle Schofield, Lowell J Taylor

Institutions: Carnegie Mellon University, Swarthmore College

Language: English

Topic: Psychometric Methodologies and Testing

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,535

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development