This study examined the use of juxtaposed scales, a type of self-report response scale used to study numerous attitudinal and behavioral concepts. This research is an extension of the exploratory work on the bias associated with juxtaposed scales begun by Hunt and Miller in 1983. Findings support the hypothesis that juxtaposed scales will elicit different responses than separate scales. When are these differences explicit and when are they an unwanted bias? Results and attendant discussion and recommendations are used to call attention to the importance of planning for the method bias which can be created by the use of juxtaposed scales.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AlderferC. P. (1967) Convergent and discriminant validation of satisfaction and desire measures by interviews and questionnaires. Journal of Applied Psychology, 51, 509–520.
2.
AlderferC. P. (1972) Human needs in organizational settings. New York: Free Press.
3.
AlderferC. P. (1977) A critique of Salancik and Pfeffer's examination of need-satisfaction theories. Administrative Science Quarterly, 22, 658–669.
4.
AlderferC. P.KaplanR. E.SmithK. K. (1974) The effect of variations in relatedness need satisfaction on relatedness desires. Administrative Science Quarterly, 19, 507–532.
5.
HuntD. M.MillerV. V. (1983) An analysis of questionnaire format bias. In RayD. F. (Eds.), Applying systematic knowledge to problems of organization and management. Atlanta, GA: Southern Management Association. Pp. 150–152.
6.
HuntD. M.MillerV. V.BolonD. (1987) Hierarchical need theory: juxtaposed scale as a source of measurement bias. In BedeianA. C.PhillipsA. S. (Eds.), Proceedings of the Southwest Academy of Management. Houston, TX: Academy. Pp. 271–275.
RauschenbergerJ.SchmittN.HunterJ. E. (1980) A test of the need hierarchy concept by a Markov model of change in need strength. Administrative Science Quarterly, 25, 654–670.
9.
SchmittN. (1994) Method bias: the importance of theory and measurement. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 15, 393–398.
10.
SpectorP. E. (1994) Using self-report questionnaires in OB research: a comment on the use of a controversial method. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 15, 385–392.
