Auxiliary Theory and Multitrait-Multimethod Validation: A Review of Two Approaches

Abstract

Althauser and Heberlein (1970) and Costner and Schoenberg (1973) have developed path analytic techniques for assessing the validity of indicators in multitrait-multimethod matrices. Both procedures involve the application of Costner's (1969) auxiliary theory. These approaches represent improvements on Campbell and Fiske's early procedures for test ing for validity. This article examines these tech niques and demonstrates their applications. It is ar gued that the diagnosis of indicator ills by means of confirmatory factor analysis is especially useful: This technique not only tests the adequacy of a measurement model, but also estimates the para meters of the specified model. An empirical example of these techniques is presented.

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