Common Method Bias
Statistics & analysis
Spurious covariance introduced when predictor and outcome data come from the same source, method and moment — a standard reviewer concern in single-survey studies.
When one respondent reports both the independent and dependent variables in one sitting, part of any observed relationship may reflect the shared method (mood, social desirability, consistency motives) rather than the constructs.
Defences are procedural (separating measurement, assuring anonymity, mixing item formats) and statistical (Harman's single-factor check, marker variables, common-latent-factor tests). Journals in management now expect an explicit CMB section — address it before reviewers raise it.
Where it's used
- Survey-design decisions during instrument development
- A reported check in SEM-based analysis chapters
Software used
Related concepts
Guides that use this concept
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