Multiple Indicators in Survey Research

When analyzing survey data, valuable evidence may be obtained by using several indicators of each of the conceptual variables to be related and observing the pattern of associations between each indicator of the independent variable(s) and each indicator of the dependent variable(s). These patterns of associations can help the researcher to decide whether the results are spuriously produced by a third factor and/or whether one or more of the indicators is invalid. Also, such information can show the need, and provide guidelines for conceptual reformulation. This procedure complements, but does not replace, other analysis techniques in survey research.