Reverse scoring
Creates reversed copies of negatively worded items: new = (lowest + highest) − old.
Menu: Transform → Reverse Score…
When should I use it?
- Before computing a scale score or alpha.
What are the assumptions?
- You know the item's possible range (e.g. 1–5).
How do I run it in StatLab?
- Choose the items, give the lowest and highest possible scores and a suffix.
How do I read the output?
| Output | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reversed Items | Source, new variable and the rule used. |
Worked example
On the practice survey dataset (File → Sample dataset), this command — which the dialog's Paste button also produces — runs the procedure:
PROC trReverse /vars=(q1 q2 q3) /min=1 /max=5 /suffix=_r.
Output tables: Reversed Items.
Computed by StatLab's validated procedure code when this page was built. The example only illustrates the steps; choose variables that fit your own research question.
What are common mistakes?
- Using the observed minimum and maximum instead of the possible ones.