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Article
Marker Variable Choice, Reporting, and Interpretation in the Detection of Common Method Variance: A Review and Demonstration
Organizational Research Methods (2015)
  • Marcia J. Simmering, Louisiana Tech University
  • Christie M. Fuller, Louisiana Tech University
  • Hettie A. Richardson, Texas Christian University
  • Yasemin Ocal, Texas A&M University-Commerce
  • Guclu Atinc, Texas A&M University-Commerce
Abstract
This article investigates in two ways the use and reporting of marker variables to detect common method variance (CMV) in organizational research. First, a review of 398 empirical articles and 41 unpublished dissertations that employ marker variables indicates that authors are not reporting adequate information regarding marker variable choice and use, are choosing inappropriate marker variables, and are possibly making errors in their assessment of CMV effects. Second, two data sets are presented that investigate the properties of six prospective markers to assess the degree to which they capture specific, measurable causes of CMV and the conclusions these markers produce when applied to substantive relationships. Results from the review and empirical investigation are used to expand the set of conditions scholars should consider when determining whether to employ a marker technique over other alternatives for detecting and controlling CMV and how best to do so.
Keywords
  • method variance,
  • survey research,
  • structural equation modeling,
  • marker variable
Publication Date
July, 2015
DOI
10.1177/1094428114560023
Citation Information
Marcia J. Simmering, Christie M. Fuller, Hettie A. Richardson, Yasemin Ocal, et al.. "Marker Variable Choice, Reporting, and Interpretation in the Detection of Common Method Variance: A Review and Demonstration" Organizational Research Methods Vol. 18 Iss. 3 (2015) p. 473 - 511
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/christie-fuller/2/