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. 2012 Mar;640(1):42-57.
doi: 10.1177/0002716211424709.

Measurement Models for Reasoned Action Theory

Michael Hennessy  1 , Amy Bleakley, Martin Fishbein
Affiliations

Measurement Models for Reasoned Action Theory

Michael Hennessy et al. Ann Am Acad Pol Soc Sci. 2012 Mar.

Abstract

Quantitative researchers distinguish between causal and effect indicators. What are the analytic problems when both types of measures are present in a quantitative reasoned action analysis? To answer this question, we use data from a longitudinal study to estimate the association between two constructs central to reasoned action theory: behavioral beliefs and attitudes toward the behavior. The belief items are causal indicators that define a latent variable index while the attitude items are effect indicators that reflect the operation of a latent variable scale. We identify the issues when effect and causal indicators are present in a single analysis and conclude that both types of indicators can be incorporated in the analysis of data based on the reasoned action approach.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The Generic Measurement Model for the Attitude Component of the Integrative Model
Figure 2
Figure 2. Behavioral Belief Items Treated as a Two-Factor Effect Indicator Measurement Model
Notes: N = 460. All are standardized coefficients. All coefficients are discernable from zero. Goodness of Fit: χ2 = 596, df = 28, p < .05, Tucker-Lewis Index = .69, RMSEA = .21. Item list is: #1: Make me feel as though someone had taken advantage of me. #2: Make me feel good about myself. #3: Hurt my relationship with my partner. #4: Increase the quality of my relationship with my partner. #5: Increase feeling of intimacy between me and my partner. #6: Give me pleasure. #7: Make my parents mad. #8: Please my partner. #9: Get me or my partner pregnant. #10: Gain the respect of my friends. #11: Give me a STD or HIV/AIDS. #12: Make my friends think badly of me.
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