Convergent and discriminant validity for areas and methods of rating job satisfaction

Abstract

A study to determine the convergent and discriminant validity of 4 rating methods and 5 areas of job satisfaction. Measures were administered to 133 randomly selected employees from 2 companies. A rating method employing a series of 6 faces ranging from a scowl to a smile and a direct graphic rating method were best according to the criteria of convergent and discriminant validity. All areas adequately satisfied both criteria, but the pay, promotions, and supervision areas showed somewhat greater discriminant validity than the work and people areas. The greater appropriateness of the convergent and discriminant criteria, as compared to other possible criteria, for demonstrating the validity of areas and measures of job satisfaction is discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)