Surveys, content analyses, and laboratory experiment/judgment task strategies continue to be the dominant research methods used in mass communication research. Some researchers, however, are advocating method triangulation--the use of at least two and as many as five methods within the same study. A manual and computer search of several databases…

Compared alternative methods for examining relationship between two constructs and estimated true relationship between social skill and depression. Data from 68 subjects suggest that multitrait-multimethod data sets, analyzed via confirmatory factor-analytic techniques, can greatly enhance theory testing and development. (Author/NB)

The Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning-Revised (DIAL-R) and the Learning Accomplishment Profile-Diagnostic (LAP-D) were compared using 121 children in a Head Start Program. Results suggest that profile interpretations of the scales may not differentiate skill domains and that these scales may be indicative of general…

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to model a multitrait by multisource matrix to determine the convergent and discriminant validity of measures of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-inattention (IN), ADHD-hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in 917 Malaysian elementary school children. The…

An extension of latent state-trait (LST) theory to hierarchical LST models is presented. In hierarchical LST models, the covariances between 2 or more latent traits are explained by a general 3rd-order factor, and the covariances between latent state residuals pertaining to different traits measured on the same measurement occasion are explained…

This study compared four methods for setting item response time thresholds to differentiate rapid-guessing behavior from solution behavior. Thresholds were either (a) common for all test items, (b) based on item surface features such as the amount of reading required, (c) based on visually inspecting response time frequency distributions, or (d)…

This article used multitrait-multimethod methodology and covariance modeling for an investigation of the presence and correlates of method effects associated with negatively worded items on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem (RSE) scale (Rosenberg, 1989) using a sample of 757 adults. Results showed that method effects associated with negative item phrasing…

This study uses a multitrait, multimethod (MTMM) approach to investigate the genetic and environmental etiologies of childhood deviant peer affiliation (DPA) and problem behavior (PROB). The variability of genetic and environmental estimates by agent and method is also examined. A total of 77 monozygotic and 72 dizygotic twin pairs and each twin's…

The multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) paradigm is used widely to assess construct validity, but D. A. Kenny and D. A. Kashy (1992) lament that even after 30 years we still do not know how to analyze MTMM data. The Composite Direct Product (CDP) model has recently attracted considerable attention. Its strengths and weaknesses are evaluated, and a…

This study evaluated the validity of the Type A behavior pattern as measured by paper-and-pencil questionnaires. The Jenkins Activity Survey, Framingham Type A Scale, Thurstone Activity Scales, a new bipolar adjective Type A measure, and measures of achievement and nurturance needs were completed by 418 students. (Author/BS)

Investigated use of the broad-band construct negative affectivity with children's self-report measures of depression, anxiety, and anger. Conducted a multitrait-multimethod analysis to intercorrelate self-report measures with the Child Behavior Checklist-Teacher Report Form (CBCL-TRF). Significant correlations occurred among the self-report…

Seven hierarchical clustering methods were applied to the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) scores of 121 medical rehabilitation clients to investigate the possibility of method-dependent results and determine the stability of the clusters. This multiple-methods cluster analysis suggests that the underlying constructs of the…

Common approaches to examining the relationship between multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) data and variables outside the MTMM data are compared: averaging various means of each trait and estimating LISREL computer program models, and estimating only relationships between MTMM traits and the outside variables. Problems of correlational bias are…

Using hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis to analyze multitrait-multimethod data, the validity of the Satisfaction with My Supervisor Scale (SWMSS) was evaluated by comparing the SWMSS to commitments to the organization, department, and occupation for 100 professional employees of a multinational software firm. The validity of the SWMSS was…

Studied the convergent and discriminant validity of multiple measures of perceived competence and obtained 12 separate multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) data sets for 1,228 children in grades 3 through 8. Examined the bias inherent in appraisals of children's competence and estimated manifest and latent variable mean differences between boys and girls…