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Marker Variable Approach (Lindell & Whitney)

HR & WorkReliability: statistical control method2 sample items

About this scale

A method for detecting and adjusting for common-method bias by including a theoretically unrelated 'marker' variable. The smallest correlation between marker and substantive variables is used to estimate method-bias-adjusted correlations.

Sample item(s)

“Marker variable items (e.g., 'I prefer blue to green'): unrelated to substantive constructs”
“Used to compute partial correlations adjusting for common-method variance”

Reliability

Reported internal consistency: statistical control method. As a rule of thumb, Cronbach’s α ≥ .70 is considered acceptable, ≥ .80 good, and ≥ .90 excellent for established measures.

Notes

Standard method for CMB control.

Source & citation

Lindell, M. K., & Whitney, D. J. (2001): Accounting for common method variance in cross-sectional research designs. Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 86, No. 1, pp. 114–121.

Lindell, M. K., & Whitney, D. J. (2001): Accounting for common method variance in cross-sectional research designs. Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 86, No. 1, pp. 114–121.

Source. Scale details are summarised from the publication cited above. Always consult the original source for the full item set, scoring, and permission to use.

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