Method variance is a survey related problem that arises because of the methods employed in carrying out the research. Method variance arises when there is a correlation between variables that are measured using the same method. This often occurs in self report surveys. Method variance causes deflation or inflation of the findings of a survey. Therefore, it could result in inaccurate conclusions concerning the relationships between the measured variables.
Practitioners are affected by method variance in different ways. Method variance could lead to bias and errors in findings of the researcher. This is because use of the same measurement methods for all variables can amount to systematic measurement errors. It could also give wrong impressions about the relationship between the variables used in the survey. The variance caused could be inflated or deflated depending on the relationship between the variables which leads to both type 1 and type 2 errors.
The concern for practitioners is that method variance is difficult to measure accurately. This is because most survey interviews and questionnaires involve constructs assessment using one method. For instance, scales designed using Likert questionnaire items. When a single method is used to assess these constructs, it is difficult to detect method variance hence; the results will be prone to errors and bias. The validity of the research will be put to doubt because of method variance.
Method variance is relevant in psychological research because this kind of research involves the use of one method in collecting and measuring information. For instance, researchers can use questionnaires or interviews. These methods are prone to method variance which may affect the validity of the findings. Therefore, psychology researchers should adopt ways of reducing method variance to make their findings credible and accurate.
Work Cited
Weiner, I. B. (2003). Handbook of Psychology, Research Methods in Psychology. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
