- For each individual, the average value of the utilities in each attribute is zero (hence zero-centered).
- For each individual, the average difference between the smallest and largest utilities of the attributes is 100.
Example
This example uses the Choice-based Conjoint experiment shown in the example project Eggs.Q. The table on the left shows a SUMMARY of Individual-Level Parameter Means generated using Q's Segments tool. The table on the right shows a SUMMARY of the new zero-centered diffs that have been generated by this QScript. Note that the average of the scores within each attribute is zero. Note also that the levels specified for the Price attribute (which was originally a numeric attribute) when running the QScript were 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (see below for more details).
Technical details
Input data
This QScript uses data from individual-level parameter means from a choice modeling experiment. The variables should be combined into a Number - Multi question that has the string Individual-Level Parameter Means in the name. The individual-level parameters question can be generated in Q from a segmentation of an experiment question (by right-clicking a node of the tree and selecting Save Individual-Level Parameter Means and Standard Deviations).
Alternatively, the individual-level parameter means can be computed externally and imported into Q as part of a larger data set. In this case:
- There should be one variable for each attribute level.
- Each variable should have a Label in the form: <Attribute Name>: <Level Label>
- The variables should be combined as a Number - Multi question.
- The text Individual-Level Parameter Means should be included in the question name.
Numeric attributes
Numeric attributes, for example, Price, will be treated as categorical attributes for the purpose of this calculation. When numeric attributes are present the QScript will prompt you to specify the levels that you want to display. You should enter two or more numbers separated by commas. For example, if your attribute is Price and you want to display levels corresponding to $1, $1.50, and $2, you should enter 1, 1.5, 2 into the prompt.
Outputs
A new Number - Multi question is generated in the project, and a table is added to the report to show the average of the computed values.
How to apply this QScript
- Start typing the name of the QScript into the Search features and data box in the top right of the Q window.
- Click on the QScript when it appears in the QScripts and Rules section of the search results.
OR
- Select Automate > Browse Online Library > Choice Modeling - Analyze with Experiment Question (Legacy) - Save Variable(s) - Zero-Centered Diffs (Utilities with Mean 0, Mean Range 100).
- Select this QScript from the list.
Customizing the QScript
This QScript is written in JavaScript and can be customized by copying and modifying the JavaScript.
Customizing QScripts in Q4.11 and more recent versions
- Start typing the name of the QScript into the Search features and data box in the top right of the Q window.
- Hover your mouse over the QScript when it appears in the QScripts and Rules section of the search results.
- Press Edit a Copy (bottom-left corner of the preview).
- Modify the JavaScript (see QScripts for more details on this).
- Either:
- Run the QScript, by pressing the blue triangle button.
- Save the QScript and run it at a later time, using Automate > Run QScript (Macro) from File.