Methodology review: Analysis of multitrait-multimethod matrices

Abstract

Procedures for analyzing multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) matrices are reviewed. Confirmatory factor analysis (Jöreskog, 1974) is presented as a general model allowing evaluation of the discriminant and convergent validity of MTMM matrices, both as a whole and in individual trait-method units. However, it is noted that this model is deficient with regard to analysis of trait-method interactions of the type described by Campbell and O’Connell (1967, 1982). Composite direct product models described by Browne (1984) are one possible solution to this problem. Further, more systematic use of hypothesis testing regarding convergent and discriminant validity in nested hierarchical models is recommended (Widaman, 1985), as well as the use of a procedure to cross-validate models of MTMM matrices described by Cudeck and Browne (1983).