Nonlinear Unidimensionality in Communication Science: Tests,Examples, and Implications |
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| Authors: | David M Keating Franklin J Boster |
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| Institution: | 1. Dave Keating (PhD, Michigan State University, 2014) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies, at California State University, Northridge;2. Frank Boster (PhD, Michigan State University, 1978) is a professor in the Department of Communication, at Michigan State University. The authors are grateful to the editor and reviewers for their feedback. |
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| Abstract: | The ability to evaluate predictions and theories hinges on accurate, error-free measurement. As a result, communication scientists seek both highly valid and highly reliable measures. Regarding validity claims, specifically, a hypothesis of content validity is typically tested via factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assume a linear relationship between indicators and the underlying construct. Thus, EFA and CFA miss instances of nonlinear unidimensionality, such as those encountered when a scale forms a Guttman Simplex. Given that such a measurement model is not uncommon and is difficult to detect, this article presents a method for testing the hypothesis of content validity when this kind of nonlinear relationship exists between scale items and the construct. |
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| Keywords: | Factor Analysis Guttman Simplex Nonlinear Unidimensionality |
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