Convergent validity, for human cognition, especially within sociology, psychology, and other behavioral sciences, refers to the degree to which two measures that theoretically should be related, are in fact related. Convergent validity, along with discriminant validity, is a subtype of construct validity. Convergent validity can be established if two similar constructs correspond with one another, while discriminant validity applies to two dissimilar constructs that are easily differentiated. Show Campbell and Fiske (1959) developed the Multitrait-Multimethod Matrix to assess the construct validity of a set of measures in a study.[2] The approach stresses the importance of using both discriminant and convergent validation techniques when assessing new tests. In other words, in order to establish construct validity, you have to demonstrate both convergence and discrimination.[3] Convergent validity can be estimated using correlation coefficients. A successful evaluation of convergent validity shows that a test of a concept is highly correlated with other tests designed to measure theoretically similar concepts. For instance, to show the convergent validity of a test of mathematics skills, the scores on the test can be correlated with scores on other tests that are also designed to measure basic mathematics ability. High correlations between the test scores would be evidence of convergent validity. Convergent evidence is best interpreted relative to discriminant evidence. That is, patterns of intercorrelations between two dissimilar measures should be low while correlations with similar measures should be substantially greater. This evidence can be organized as a multitrait-multimethod matrix. For example, in order to test the convergent validity of a measure of self-esteem, a researcher may want to show that measures of similar constructs, such as self-worth, confidence, social skills, and self-appraisal are also related to self-esteem, whereas non-overlapping factors, such as intelligence, should not relate.[4] Convergent Validity is a sub-type of construct validity. Construct validity means that a test designed to measure a particular construct (i.e. intelligence) is actually measuring that construct. Convergent validity takes two measures that are supposed to be measuring the same construct and shows that they are related. Conversely, discriminant validity shows that two measures that are not supposed to be related are in fact, unrelated. Both types of validity are a requirement for excellent construct validity. ExampleLet’s say you were researching depression in college students. In order to measure depression (the construct), you use two measurements: a survey and participant observation. If the scores from your two measurements are close enough (i.e. they converge), this demonstrates that they are measuring the same construct. If they don’t converge, this could indicate they are measuring different constructs (for example, anger and depression or self-worth and depression). A specific example can be found in Chou et al. (2005), who studied the Chinese version of the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale. The sample consisted of 154 older adults. The summary concluded that “In terms of convergent validity, the GSIS-C correlated significantly and positively with depression (assessed by CES-D), loneliness (assessed by Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale), and hopelessness (assessed by Beck’s Hopelessness Scale.” Convergent Validity, Discriminant Validity and CorrelationDefining constructs can be a challenge. Therefore, applying convergent validity and discriminant validity can also be a challenge. Convergent validity is usually accomplished by demonstrating a correlation between the two measures, although it’s rare that any two measures will be perfectly convergent. In the case of discriminant validity, you could show that there is no correlation at all. Correlation is measured by a correlation coefficient, r, on a scale of -1 to 1, where r=-1 is perfect negative correlation, r=1 is perfect positive correlation, and r=0 is no correlation at all.  Convergent validity is sometimes claimed if the correlation coefficient is above .50, although it’s usually recommended at above .70. Reference: CITE THIS AS: Need help with a homework or test question? With Chegg Study, you can get step-by-step solutions to your questions from an expert in the field. Your first 30 minutes with a Chegg tutor is free! What type of validity is convergent and discriminant?Convergent and discriminant validity are two subtypes of construct validity.
What type of validity is discriminant validity?Discriminant validity shows you that two tests that are not supposed to be related are, in fact, unrelated. Convergent validity shows you that two tests that are supposed to be related to each other are, in fact, related.
What type of validity is convergent validity?Convergent validity refers to how closely a test is related to other tests that measure the same (or similar) constructs.
What is evidence of discriminant validity?Discriminant validity is demonstrated by evidence that measures of constructs that theoretically should not be highly related to each other are, in fact, not found to be highly correlated to each other.
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