heterotraitheteromethod

Heterotrait-heteromethod (HTHM) is a term used in multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) analysis to describe the correlations between different traits assessed with different measurement methods. In MTMM, researchers examine how multiple traits are measured by multiple methods to evaluate construct validity and method effects. The MTMM matrix includes several kinds of correlations, among them monotrait-heteromethod (the same trait across methods), heterotrait-monomethod (different traits within the same method), and heterotrait-heteromethod (different traits across different methods).

HTHM correlations are used to assess discriminant validity across methods. They should, in general, be smaller than the monotrait-heteromethod correlations, which capture convergent validity for the same trait across methods. Large HTHM correlations may indicate that different traits are not well distinguished when measured with different methods, suggesting potential lack of discriminant validity or the presence of shared method variance.

In practice, HTHM is estimated as part of the MTMM matrix, derived from data where several traits are measured by several methods. Researchers compare the pattern and magnitude of HTHM correlations with other MTMM elements to draw inferences about the distinctness of constructs and the influence of measurement methods. Limitations of MTMM analyses include sample size requirements and interpretive complexity; alternative approaches, such as confirmatory factor analysis, are sometimes used to supplement or replace traditional MTMM inspection.