On interpretation of interactions

Abstract

The principle focus of this paper is on interpretation of interactions that are obtained when response probability is used as a dependent variable. It is argued that results obtained with probability [or any dependent variable) are only interesting insofar as they reflect something about a corresponding theoretical component. It follows that the functional mapping of response probability [which is measured) onto the state of a theoretical component (which is inferred) must be somehow specified if conclusions are to be meaningful. Depending on the nature of such a mapping, various types of results, particularly results involving interactions, may or may not be interpretable.