Controlling social-desirability bias via method factors of direct and indirect questioning in structural equation models

This article develops a methodology for controlling social-desirability bias. The method uses direct and indirect questioning to create methods factors within a structural-equation modeling context. The article discusses the rationale for using both direct and indirect questioning and the benefits of employing method factors. Models are developed with method factors as exogenous or endogenous constructs, depending on the location of sensitive constructs in the structural model. The article also discusses how the proposed methodology can be applied to studies using different methods (e.g., peers' evaluations, physical observations, and behavioral/physiological measures), in addition to direct self-reports. Implications of the proposed method are discussed. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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