On the application of within and between analysis: Are absence and affect really group-based phenomena?

Abstract

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 77(4) of Journal of Applied Psychology (see record 2008-10484-001 ). The exponents in Equations 4 and 5 are incorrect. The correct exponent in each equation is 1/2.] J. M. George (1990) examined personality, affect, and absence behavior as group-level phenomena. The recognition of level of analysis issues in that study was important, and the formulation of group-level hypotheses was interesting. However, the incomplete application of within and between analysis (WABA) led to suspect conclusions about group-based effects. The current study reexamined and reinterpreted George's results in light of an appropriate application of WABA. Personality, affect, and absence behavior appear to be based primarily on individual rather than group differences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)