TY - JOUR
T1 - Conceptual clarity in measurement—Constructs, composites, and causes
T2 - a commentary on Lee, Cadogan and Chamberlain
AU - Howell, Roy D.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2013, Academy of Marketing Science.
PY - 2013/3
Y1 - 2013/3
N2 - In an insightful and important article, Lee et al. (2013, this issue) clearly point out the problems with so-called formative measurement. In particular, they suggest that the MIMIC model formulation, as currently conceptualized, does not provide a solution. Their central thesis is that, in a MIMIC model, the supposedly formatively measured latent variable is empirically a reflective latent variable depending entirely on the endogenous variables included. They then look at composite variables as a possible solution. This commentary seeks to reinforce their central thesis, providing additional evidence and support. I also attempt to clarify the distinction between two types of models discussed in the article as MIMIC models. I then examine the use of composite variables, focusing on potential information loss and issues concerning conceptual clarity. I conclude that composite variables should not be routinely employed in theory testing research, and their use must be clearly justified.
AB - In an insightful and important article, Lee et al. (2013, this issue) clearly point out the problems with so-called formative measurement. In particular, they suggest that the MIMIC model formulation, as currently conceptualized, does not provide a solution. Their central thesis is that, in a MIMIC model, the supposedly formatively measured latent variable is empirically a reflective latent variable depending entirely on the endogenous variables included. They then look at composite variables as a possible solution. This commentary seeks to reinforce their central thesis, providing additional evidence and support. I also attempt to clarify the distinction between two types of models discussed in the article as MIMIC models. I then examine the use of composite variables, focusing on potential information loss and issues concerning conceptual clarity. I conclude that composite variables should not be routinely employed in theory testing research, and their use must be clearly justified.
KW - Composite variables
KW - Formative measurement
KW - Reflective measurement
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84911381515&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s13162-013-0036-y
DO - 10.1007/s13162-013-0036-y
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:84911381515
SN - 1869-814X
VL - 3
SP - 18
EP - 23
JO - AMS Review
JF - AMS Review
IS - 1
ER -