Construct Validity Assessment in IS Research: Methods and Case Example of User Satisfaction Scale

Construct Validity In General

Construct validity might seem complicated for those who are not familiar with instrument validity. Cronbach and Meehl (1955) provide an often-cited, easy-to-understand definition. They describe construct validity as a condition whereby items measuring one particular construct are considered together and provide a reasonable operationalization for that particular construct (compared with other latent constructs). Thus, an instrument demonstrates construct validity if, in measuring an intended construct, it measures the concept it purports to measure regardless of any other established instruments of other constructs (Nunnally, 1978; Zaltman, Duncan, & Holbek, 1973). Such assessment is important since, knowing the constructs are properly measured and measure what they are intended to measure, (1) will increase our confidence in the overall empirical results, and (2) will show how well researchers translate their theories into actual measures.