Journal article
Validity of the structural properties of text-based causal maps: An empirical assessment
28 Jan 2008
Abstract
Recently, text-based causal maps (TBCMs) have generated enthusiasm as a methodological tool because they provide a way of accessing large, untapped sources of data generated by organizations. Although TBCMs have been used extensively in organizational behavior and strategic management research, studies assessing the psychometric properties of TBCM measures are virtually non-existent. With the intention of facilitating large sample substantive research using TBCMs, we examine the construct validity of two most frequently employed structural properties of TBCMs: complexity and centrality. In assessing construct validity, we examine the internal consistency, dimensionality and predictive validity of the structural properties. Our results suggest that complexity is not a general cognitive attribute. Rather, it is indicative of domain knowledge. On the other hand, centrality, which reflects the degree of hierarchy characterizing the TBCM, is related to cognitive ability, and may reflect general information processing. Moreover, we found that complexity and centrality, but not cognitive ability, predicted student performance. We discuss the implications of these results.
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Details
- Title
- Validity of the structural properties of text-based causal maps
- Creators
- Sucheta Nadkarni - University of Nebraska–LincolnV. K. (Veekay) Narayanan - Drexel University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Bennett S. LeBow College of Business; Management
- Other Identifier
- 991014632592504721