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Optimal mapping of differing life satisfaction scales

Author

Listed:
  • Amelia Blamey

    (Motu Economic and Public Policy Research)

  • Arthur Grimes

    (Motu Economic and Public Policy Research)

Abstract

We present a distributional matching approach to harmonise life satisfaction scores collected on different scales. We apply the method to two concurrent official New Zealand surveys, one with an 11-point scale and one with a 5-point scale. The optimal mapping from the 11-point to the 5-point scale, which minimises the residuals, is: 0-2 (1), 3-4 (2), 5-6 (3), 7-8 (4), and 9-10 (5). This mapping holds for most subsample populations, with exceptions observed among more marginalised groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Amelia Blamey & Arthur Grimes, 2025. "Optimal mapping of differing life satisfaction scales," Working Papers 25_02, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:mtu:wpaper:25_02
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    File URL: https://motu-www.motu.org.nz/wpapers/25_02.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Thomas Carver & Arthur Grimes, 2019. "Income or Consumption: Which Better Predicts Subjective Well‐Being?," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 65(S1), pages 256-280, November.
    2. Voerman-Tam, Diana & Grimes, Arthur & Watson, Nicholas, 2023. "The economics of free speech: Subjective wellbeing and empowerment of marginalized citizens," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 260-274.
    3. Andrew E. Clark, 2018. "Four Decades of the Economics of Happiness: Where Next?," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 64(2), pages 245-269, June.
    4. Powdthavee, Nattavudh & van den Berg, Bernard, 2011. "Putting different price tags on the same health condition: Re-evaluating the well-being valuation approach," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(5), pages 1032-1043.
    5. Mohsen Joshanloo, 2014. "Eastern Conceptualizations of Happiness: Fundamental Differences with Western Views," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 15(2), pages 475-493, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Life satisfaction scales; mapping; ordinal data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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