Do difference scores make a difference on the third-person effect?

ABSTRACT

Researchers from different fields have been intrigued but also confused with regard to the ways of conceptualizing and operationalizing difference. This article critically reviewed a number of existing means of operationalizing difference and mathematically explicated and empirically tested why difference scores were problematic and why the diamond model that aimed to replace difference scores was equally troublesome. Ultimately, this article recommended polynomial regression as an alternative to difference scores.

KEYWORDS:

• Difference score
• Reliability
• Third-person effect

MATHEMATICS SUBJECT CLASSIFICATION:

• 62
• P25