Common Method Issues: An Introduction to the Feature Topic in Organizational Research Methods

It is widely accepted that the method of measurement can affect observations made in scientific studies. Method variance is variance attributable to the method of measurement rather than the trait of interest, and when trait scores share methods of measurement, common method variance may distort observed relationships among the scores. This Organizational Research Methods Common Method Issues feature topic contains five articles that as a group discuss the nature of method variance, the likely effects it can have on observed relationships, how much method variance likely exists, and what can be done to remedy potential problems. In addition, these articles explore researchers’ beliefs about method variance.