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Comment on Ameriks, Caplin, Leahy & Tyler (2007): Measuring Self-Control Problems

Author

Listed:
  • Volker Seiler

    (University of Paderborn)

Abstract

Ameriks, Caplin, Leahy & Tyler (2007) study how lack of self-control may lead to overconsumption and low wealth accumulation. For their analysis, the authors calculate difference scores from their survey questions. We review their study and highlight potential issues in the use of difference scores such as lack of reliability, validity, spurious correlation and variance restriction. The concerns we raise put into question their findings and the conclusions they draw.

Suggested Citation

  • Volker Seiler, 2013. "Comment on Ameriks, Caplin, Leahy & Tyler (2007): Measuring Self-Control Problems," Working Papers CIE 61, Paderborn University, CIE Center for International Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:pdn:ciepap:61
    as

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    File URL: http://groups.uni-paderborn.de/wp-wiwi/RePEc/pdf/ciepap/WP61.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. John Ameriks & Andrew Caplin & John Leahy & Tom Tyler, 2007. "Measuring Self-Control Problems," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 97(3), pages 966-972, June.
    2. Lee Cronbach, 1951. "Coefficient alpha and the internal structure of tests," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 16(3), pages 297-334, September.
    3. G. Kuder & M. Richardson, 1937. "The theory of the estimation of test reliability," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 2(3), pages 151-160, September.
    4. Peter, J Paul & Churchill, Gilbert A, Jr & Brown, Tom J, 1993. "Caution in the Use of Difference Scores in Consumer Research," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 19(4), pages 655-662, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. & Kassenboehmer, Sonja C. & Sinning, Mathias G., 2016. "Locus of control and savings," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 113-130.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    self-control; difference scores; reliability; validity; spurious correlation; variance restriction;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines
    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology
    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General
    • C42 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Survey Methods

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