A methodology for construct development in MIS research

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for developing constructs in MIS research. It is applicable to both individual and organizational levels of analysis, depending on the nature of the concept under study. The methodology is presented as a research guide progressing through three stages: (1) domain definition, (2) instrument construction, and (3) evaluation of measurement properties. The methodology addresses six key measurement properties (content validity, factorial validity, reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, nomological validity), which are discussed in detail. An assessment of the proposed methodology indicates that its adoption in MIS research would greatly improve the rigor of construct development projects. This is evidenced by the wide range of quality publications that have used its techniques and its performance when compared to a number of prominent standards for assessing construct development research.

Keywords:

• construct
• instrument
• survey
• reliability
• validity
• MIS research

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bruce R Lewis

About the authors

Bruce R. Lewis is an Assistant Professor and Cooper Fellow in Information Systems in the Wayne Calloway School of Business and Accountancy at Wake Forest University. He spent over 25 years as a practicing IT professional, manager, and consultant. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics, an M.S. in Statistics and a Ph.D. in MIS. He has published in the Journal of Management Information Systems, the European Journal of Information Systems, Information & Management, Communications of the AIS, The DATA BASE for Advances in Information Systems, and Expert Systems with Applications.

Gary F Templeton

Gary F. Templeton is an Assistant Professor of MIS in the College of Business and Industry at Mississippi State University. He has previously taught MIS courses at Auburn University, Syracuse University, Athens State University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He has a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration (Finance major), a Masters in Business Administration, a Masters in MIS, and a Ph.D. in MIS. His journal publications include the Journal of Management Information Systems, Communications of the ACM, Information and Management and Information Systems Frontiers. His research interests include organizational learning and novel information systems and MIS issues. He teaches MIS administration and applications.

Terry Anthony Byrd

Terry Anthony Byrd is Professor of MIS in the Department of Management at the College of Business, Auburn University. He holds a B.S.E.E. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Ph.D. in MIS from the University of South Carolina. His research has appeared in MIS Quarterly, Journal of Management Information Systems, European Journal of Information Systems, Decision Sciences, OMEGA, Interfaces, and other leading journals. His current research interests include strategic management of information technology, information architecture/infrastructure, electronic integration, and electronic commerce.