Multitrait-Multimethod Analysis

Distinguishing between Items and Traits

Bibliographic Data

ID20471889
AuthorsHerbert W Marsh (0000-0002-1078-9717, The University of Sydney, corresponding author)
Year1983
Volume43
Issue2
Pages351-358
Publication date1983-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEducational and Psychological Measurement (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0013-1644 • E-ISSN: 1552-3888
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/001316448304300204
OpenAlexW2086285843
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited9

Multitrait-multimethod analysis is designed to assess convergent and discriminant validity, and to also detect method/halo effects. However, the distinction between discriminant validity and method/halo effect is ambiguous when the relationship between the observed measures and underlying traits is unclear. The purpose of this study is to compare MTMM analyses performed on items and factor scores derived from the items. MTMM analyses of the individual items indicated modest support for convergent and divergent validity, and a substantial method/halo effect. The same analyses performed on factor scores showed substantial increases in convergent and divergent validity, and a substantial decrease in the method/halo effect. Based upon this demonstration, researchers are encouraged to conduct a preliminary factor analysis before analyzing MTMM data whenever there is doubt about the underlying trait structure

Confirmatory factor analysis · Convergent validity · Developmental psychology · Discriminant validity · Halo · Linear discriminant analysis · Psychometrics · Statistics · Structural equation modeling · Test validity · Trait · Computer Science · Mathematics · Psychology · Psychometric Methodologies and Testing · Sensory Analysis and Statistical Methods · Statistical Methods and Applications

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