Counts Analysis is a method used for analyzing MaxDiff data that counts the number of times each item is selected as Best and subtracts the number of times each item is selected as Worst.
This article takes you through how to perform this analysis technique in Q.
Requirements
- A data set that contains a set of MaxDiff variables which store the Best and Worst selections.
- In this example, we have collected data from a single-version design with 6 questions and 10 technology brands as alternatives. The variables have been set up as one Best variable per question and one Worst variable per question. Below is a raw data view of these variables.
Method
- To begin with, your MaxDiff Best and Worst variables should not be grouped together. If they are, you will need to first select them in the Variables and Questions tab, right-click, and select Split Variables from Question.
- If your MaxDiff variables are already split as separate variables, select them in the Variables and Questions tab, otherwise, you can skip this step.
- Go to Automate > Browse Online Library > Filter > Filters From Selected Data.
- While the new variables are highlighted, click F (filter) in the Tags column so that they are no longer tagged as filter variables.
- Next, select only the Best variables.
- Right-click and select Insert Ready-Made Formula(s) > Mathematical Functions (by Case) > Sum.
- Click Yes.
- Click Yes to calculate with incomplete data, otherwise, click No.
- Right-click the sum variables and select Set Question.
- Update the Name to Best (sum).
- Update the Question Type to Number - Multi and click OK.
- Repeat Steps 5-11 for the Worst filter variables.
- Select both summed variable sets, and go to Automate > Browse Online Library > Create New Variables > Combine Questions as a Grid.
- Update the Name to Best + Worst.
- Using the new Best + Worst variable set, create a summary table.
- Right-click any row and select Statistics > Cells > Sum. Untick Average.
- Go to Automate > Browse Online Library > Table Computations > Add Difference Between Pair of Columns.
- Select Best in the Column 1 dropdown and Worst in the Column 2 dropdown.
- [OPTIONAL] Untick Label new column automatically and enter the preferred label in New column label.
- [OPTIONAL] Tick Replace table with difference if you wish to hide the other columns.
- Click OK.