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Scaling Subjective Variables by SPC (Sequential Pair Comparisons)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 June 2009

Avinash C. Singh
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Newfoundland, Canada, A1B 3X7
Christopher D. Bilsbury
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, The General Hospital, Health Sciences Centre, Prince Phillip Drive, St John's, Newfoundland, Canada, A1B 3V6

Extract

Shapiro (1961) devised a scaling method based on pair comparisons to overcome the problems associated with numerical rating scales. Phillips (1963, 1966, 1970, 1977, 1979) developed the theory underlying Shapiro's method and extended it to increase the precision of measurement. In this paper we present a simpler justification of the Shapiro–Phillips method and propose improvements by sequentializing the presentation of pair comparisons. In this way, the total number of comparisons can be reduced to correspond with an acceptable level of reliability. Responses are recorded graphically producing an instant score and reliability check. Some possible generalizations are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 1982

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