A Multitrait-Multimethod Matrix Analysis of the PRF and MNQ Need Scales

Abstract

The reliability and validity of the Manifest Needs Questionnaaire (MNQ) and the Personality Research Form (PRF) nAch, nAff, nAut, and nPow scales were assessed in a heterogeneous sample (N = 136). Reliability was assessed by computing coefficient alpha for each scale. Validity assessments were based on criteria suggested by Campbell and Fiske (1959) for evaluating the multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) matrix. An additional analysis of variance suggested by Kavanagh, MacKinney, and Wolins (1971) was applied to the MTMM matrix; thus allowing the quantitative identification of the effects of subjects, traits, and methods. The scales demonstrate convergent and discriminant validity according to these analyses. Where validity is in question, the cause seems to be due to the overall poor reliabilities of the MNQ scales. Only the MNQPOW scale was acceptably reliable, while all the PRF scales were acceptable. The unreliability of the MNQ seems to be afunction of item heterogeneity and scale variance, while the PRF does not appear as sensitive to these factors.

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