Convergent and Discriminant Validity of Selected Need Scales from the Adjective Check List and Personality Research Form

Abstract

Using the multitrait-multimethod matrix design, convergent and discriminant validity was investigated for the scales measuring the nine manifest needs which are commonly assessed by the Adjective Check List and Personality Research Form: achievement, aggression, autonomy, dominance, endurance, exhibition, nurturance, and order. The multitrait-multimethod matrix of intercorrelations among the various need scales from the two inventories was evaluated by Campbell and Fiske's (1959) criteria, separately for 85 men and 103 women. Results provided empirical evidence supporting the convergent and discriminant validity for the scales of aggression, autonomy, dominance, and exhibition for both sex groups. In addition, convergent and discriminant validity was also found for the order scales for the men and for the nurturance scales for the women. These results provided only partial support for Fiske's (1973) conclusion that there was no empirical support for the inter-changeability of the various need scales.