To measure the convergent validity of your test, you must demonstrate that there is a positive correlation between measures of related constructs. Investigating relationships between constructs helps you ensure a high correlation for convergent validity and a low (or nonexistent) correlation for discriminant validity. Together, these two tests allow you to assess construct validity.

You should first establish convergent validity before testing for discriminant validity. Since the two methods are measuring the same concept, their results should also correlate. To measure narcissism, you could also design a personality test and a structured interview. You can also test convergent validity by using two different data collection methods in your research design. Conversely, if the scores of your questionnaire don’t correlate with the scores of the other test, your questionnaire has low convergent validity. If the scores of your questionnaire correlate with the scores of the other test, then your questionnaire has high convergent validity. The expectation is that the scores of the two tests should converge. In academic literature, individuals who exhibit narcissistic behavior are also more inclined towards conspicuous consumption. You also include one more scale measuring conspicuous consumption. You draw a sample of students and ask them to fill in your questionnaire. For example, you can compare the results of an observation and a questionnaire both measuring introversion.Įxample: Convergent validityFor your research into narcissistic personality disorder, you have developed a questionnaire designed to measure narcissism. Compare the results of two different methods measuring the same construct.For example, you can measure your self-report questionnaire on introversion against an existing one also measuring introversion. Compare your test scores against the results of at least one more test measuring the same or a similar construct.To establish the convergent validity of your test, you must do one of the following: Examples of convergent and discriminant validity When both conditions (convergent and divergent validity) are met, you can conclude that a test shows evidence of construct validity. This means that it only measures the construct it is supposed to measure, and not other constructs. The idea here is that not only should a test correlate with a similar test (i.e., measuring the same or a related construct), but it should also not correlate with dissimilar or unrelated tests (i.e., measuring different constructs).įor example, if there is no (or weak) correlation between the scores of a test measuring honesty and a test measuring the favorite color of participants, the test can be said to have high discriminant validity. Discriminant validity shows you whether two tests that should not be highly related to each other are, indeed, unrelated.

Convergent validity shows you whether two tests that should be highly related to each other are indeed related.In short, while convergent validity focuses on similarities, discriminant validity focuses on differences. Neither alone is sufficient, but it’s important to remember that they are not the same thing. In research, they are evaluated together because both must be assessed in order to demonstrate construct validity. Together, convergent and discriminant validity help you establish construct validity. A high correlation between the two test scores suggests convergent validity. If the scores of the two methods are similar, this suggests that they indeed measure the same construct. Example: Convergent validitySuppose you use two different methods to collect data about anger: observation and a self-report questionnaire. High correlation is evidence of convergent validity, which, in turn, is an indication of construct validity.

Ideally, two tests measuring the same construct, such as stress, should have a moderate to high correlation. Here, a construct is a behavior, attitude, or concept, particularly one that is not directly observable. Try for free What Is Convergent Validity? | Definition & ExamplesĬonvergent validity refers to how closely a test is related to other tests that measure the same (or similar) constructs. non-probability samplingĮliminate grammar errors and improve your writing with our free AI-powered grammar checker.

Point measure vs measure of validity