The Construct Validity Of The Affective, Behavioral, And Cognitive Components Of Attitude By Analysis Of Covariance Structures

Using the analysis of covariance structures methodology, the construct validity of the tripartite classification of attitudes is investigated. Convergent and discriminant validity were achieved for the reanalysis of Ostrom's (1969) data examining attitudes toward the church, while convergent, but not discriminant, validity was attained for the reanalysis of Kothandapani's (1971) data investigating attitudes toward birth control. Reasons for the difference in findings are examined including an analysis of measurement error, methods variance, and trait variance. The results are interpreted from a cognitive consistency and learning theory perspective.