Convergent validity in the
behavioral sciences
Behavioural science is the branch of science concerned with human behaviour.Hallsworth, M. (2023). A manifesto for applying behavioural science. ''Nature Human Behaviour'', ''7''(3), 310-322. While the term can technically be applied to the st ...
refers to the degree to which two measures that theoretically should be related, are in fact related.
Convergent validity, along with
discriminant validity, is a subtype of
construct validity
Construct validity concerns how well a set of indicators represent or reflect a concept that is not directly measurable. ''Construct validation'' is the accumulation of evidence to support the interpretation of what a measure reflects.Polit DF Bec ...
. Convergent validity can be established if two similar constructs correspond with one another, while discriminant validity applies to two dissimilar constructs that are easily differentiated.
Campbell and Fiske (1959) developed the
Multitrait-Multimethod Matrix to assess the construct validity of a set of measures in a study. The approach stresses the importance of using both discriminant and convergent validation techniques when assessing new tests. In other words, in order to establish construct validity, you have to demonstrate both convergence and discrimination.
Evaluation / application
To assess the extent of convergent validity, a test of a construct is correlated with other tests designed to measure theoretically similar constructs. For instance, to assess the convergent validity of a test of mathematics skills, the scores on the test are correlated with scores on other tests that are also designed to measure basic mathematics ability. High correlations between the test scores would be evidence of convergent validity.
Convergent evidence is best interpreted in conjunction with discriminant evidence. That is, patterns of intercorrelations between two dissimilar measures should be low while correlations with similar measures should be substantially greater. This evidence can be organized as a
multitrait-multimethod matrix. For example, in order to test the convergent validity of a measure of
self-esteem
Self-esteem is confidence in one's own worth, abilities, or morals. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs about oneself (for example, "I am loved", "I am worthy") as well as emotional states, such as triumph, despair, pride, and shame. Smith and Macki ...
, a researcher may want to show that measures of similar constructs, such as self-worth, confidence, social skills, and self-appraisal are also related to self-esteem, whereas non-overlapping factors, such as intelligence, should not relate.
See also
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Construct validity
Construct validity concerns how well a set of indicators represent or reflect a concept that is not directly measurable. ''Construct validation'' is the accumulation of evidence to support the interpretation of what a measure reflects.Polit DF Bec ...
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Content validity
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Criterion validity
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Discriminant validity (divergent validity)
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Face validity
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Test validity
Test validity is the extent to which a test (such as a chemical test, chemical, physical test, physical, or test (assessment), scholastic test) accuracy and precision, accurately measures what it is supposed to measurement, measure. In the fields ...
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Validity (statistics)
Validity is the main extent to which a concept, conclusion, or measurement is well-founded and likely corresponds accurately to the real world. The word "valid" is derived from the Latin validus, meaning strong. The validity of a measurement tool ...
References
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Validity (statistics)