Start Date
12-13-2015
Description
Invalid measurement of constructs in information systems research often remains un-detected and can lead to false conclusions. The prescriptive literature on measurement has led to a better understanding of the sources of error in various areas, including con-ceptual modeling, common method bias, and estimation procedures. It has also called for heterogeneity in indicators to overcome sources of error associated with each indicator specifically. It has not led, however, to widespread measurement practice that takes these separate insights into account. This paper aims to facilitate this by integrating insights from the literature. It complements extant guidelines on the development of measurement with a typology of the ways to tie a construct to its indicators. It demonstrates the recommendations with an empirical illustration. This, I hope, will lead researchers adopt more heterogeneous indicators, allowing them to measure their constructs with better confidence in validity.
Recommended Citation
Zwanenburg, Sander Paul, "How to Tie a Construct to Indicators: Guidelines for Valid Measurement" (2015). ICIS 2015 Proceedings. 7.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2015/proceedings/ResearchMethods/7
How to Tie a Construct to Indicators: Guidelines for Valid Measurement
Invalid measurement of constructs in information systems research often remains un-detected and can lead to false conclusions. The prescriptive literature on measurement has led to a better understanding of the sources of error in various areas, including con-ceptual modeling, common method bias, and estimation procedures. It has also called for heterogeneity in indicators to overcome sources of error associated with each indicator specifically. It has not led, however, to widespread measurement practice that takes these separate insights into account. This paper aims to facilitate this by integrating insights from the literature. It complements extant guidelines on the development of measurement with a typology of the ways to tie a construct to its indicators. It demonstrates the recommendations with an empirical illustration. This, I hope, will lead researchers adopt more heterogeneous indicators, allowing them to measure their constructs with better confidence in validity.