We used the two
dichotomization rules indicated in the measures section.
Note, however, that Maxwell and Delaney (1993) demonstrated that the simultaneous
dichotomization of more than one predictor not only decreases the power of MMR but, in some situations, it may also artificially increase Type I error rates.
The dynamic of false
dichotomization has been addressed by several theoretical orientations in the field of clinical psychology.
The break point for each of the
dichotomizations was chosen at a scientifically relevant point close to or at the median.
This study has provided evidence for such a continuum, demonstrating that the traditional
dichotomization of sex renders deficiency in clarity in our understanding of this aspect of human nature which is innately associated with our disposition to think, act, and behave.
According to the method used in a previous study (Jiang, Gao, Chen, & Roco, 2015), we determined the threshold values for
dichotomization as mean tie intensities plus one standard deviation.
Economic arguments was used as a fine-tuning instrument and a counterweight for
dichotomization.
Ubiquitously cited criticisms of median split often reference MacCallum, Zhang, Preacher, and Rucker (2002), who outline potential negative analytical consequences arising from
dichotomization of continuous variables (i.e., loss of information about individual variability, ensuing loss of power and effect size, and the undermining of measurement reliability).
(Milbank's stance is that Kantian critical reason - what Habermas calls the beginning of post-metaphysical philosophy - is plain wrong since it "render[s] out of court" any metaphysical claims (324), thus excluding billions of believers regardless of their specific religions.) Habermas reinscribes the
dichotomization: "philosophy, the social sciences, and the humanities, on the one side, and competing religious views, on the other" (381).