When a self-report instrument includes a balanced number of positively and negatively worded items, factor analysts often use method factors to aid model fitting. The nature of these factors, often referred to as acquiescence, is still debated. Relying upon previous results (Alessandri et al., 2010; DiStefano & Motl, 2006, 2008; Rauch, Schweizer, & Moosbrugger, 2007), we submit that the so-called method factors, instead, represent substantive specific factors. This study investigates the convergence of method effects across different observers. The revised Life Orientation Test (Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, 1994) was administered to a sample of 372 adults (57% females), with 372 acquaintances serving as informants. Results showed that a specific factor was detectable both with self- and other-ratings. A significant correlation across informants provided evidence for the convergence of this specific factor. Construct validity was examined by locating this specific factor within a nomological net of personality variables. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed

Investigating the Nature of Method Factors Through Multiple Informants: Evidence for a Specific Factor? / Alessandri, Guido; Vecchione, Michele; John, Tisak; Barbaranelli, Claudio. - In: MULTIVARIATE BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH. - ISSN 0027-3171. - 46:4(2011), pp. 625-642. [10.1080/00273171.2011.589272]

Investigating the Nature of Method Factors Through Multiple Informants: Evidence for a Specific Factor?

ALESSANDRI, GUIDO;VECCHIONE, MICHELE;BARBARANELLI, Claudio
2011

Abstract

When a self-report instrument includes a balanced number of positively and negatively worded items, factor analysts often use method factors to aid model fitting. The nature of these factors, often referred to as acquiescence, is still debated. Relying upon previous results (Alessandri et al., 2010; DiStefano & Motl, 2006, 2008; Rauch, Schweizer, & Moosbrugger, 2007), we submit that the so-called method factors, instead, represent substantive specific factors. This study investigates the convergence of method effects across different observers. The revised Life Orientation Test (Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, 1994) was administered to a sample of 372 adults (57% females), with 372 acquaintances serving as informants. Results showed that a specific factor was detectable both with self- and other-ratings. A significant correlation across informants provided evidence for the convergence of this specific factor. Construct validity was examined by locating this specific factor within a nomological net of personality variables. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed
2011
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01a Articolo in rivista
Investigating the Nature of Method Factors Through Multiple Informants: Evidence for a Specific Factor? / Alessandri, Guido; Vecchione, Michele; John, Tisak; Barbaranelli, Claudio. - In: MULTIVARIATE BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH. - ISSN 0027-3171. - 46:4(2011), pp. 625-642. [10.1080/00273171.2011.589272]
File allegati a questo prodotto
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/384245
 Attenzione

Attenzione! I dati visualizzati non sono stati sottoposti a validazione da parte dell'ateneo

Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 19
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 19
social impact