CONSTRUCT-VALIDITY OF THE SELF-DIRECTED SEARCH USING HIERARCHICALLY NESTED STRUCTURAL MODELS

This study used the hierarchically nested structural models proposed by Widaman (1985) and further developed by Marsh (1989) and Kenny and Kashy (1992) to investigate the multitrait-multimethod matrix structure of the Self-Directed Search (SDS; Holland, 1985b). The complete model, six correlated trait and five correlated method factors, attained an acceptable level of practical fit. This model was used as an anchor to test convergent and discriminant validity and degree of method covariance. The data supported both the convergent and discriminant validity of the SDS. A moderate degree of method covariation also was evident in male and female samples. Despite inconsistencies specific to certain subscale scores, data generally supported the theoretical model. Contradictory conclusions regarding the construct validity of the SDS based on traditional confirmatory procedures may be attributable to the use of data-driven confirmatory factor analytic procedures and the failure to examine theoretically sound alternative models. Theoretical and methodological implications of these findings are discussed. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.