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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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    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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