Specifying the Problem of Measurement Models Misspecification in Management Sciences Literature

Abstract

Perhaps the most serious problem of measurement models misspecification is that it will lead to type 1 and type two errors. Consequently, these errors forbid researchers from adequately theory testing and meaningfully theory development. Therefore, the aim of this methodological review is to explore the leading cause(s) of measurement models misspecification in management sciences literature. Based on literature and arduous lessons learned from mistakes and author experience, it was found that researchers and students provides generic statements on research instruments in their research articles, theses and dissertations, but these statements are not sufficient enough for proper measurement models specification in different contexts. Meaning that little attention has been paid in literature to the conceptual and theoretical clarity of the focal construct which adequately covers the content domain the construct capture. Thus, the author of the paper argue that neglecting conceptual and theoretical clarity on the nature of construct with in the rubric of measurement theory at both abstract and empirical levels are the major causes of measurement model misspecification. Therefore, it is recommended that scholars need to provide conceptual and theoretical clarity on the content domain construct capture in their research. Journal editors and potential reviewers also need to look for this on priority. Since, the quality of research hinges on how clearly constructs are conceptualize and how well others understand these constructs.

Received: 2 August 2022 / Accepted: 22 October 2022 / Published: 5 November 2022