The Dimensionality of Variables: Possibilities, Impossibilities, and Implications for Theory

Event Date: 26 February 2014

Speaker: Professor John Cadogan

Time: 11am. Following this a buffet lunch will be provided.

Location: Stenhouse Building, room 315.

ABSTRACT

Variables that are multidimensional contain more than one conceptually distinct entity, and so include both the formative variable and the higher-order reflective variable. Both the formative and the higher-order reflective variable have seen a surge in popularity in recent years as researchers seek to simplify their models, or to otherwise demonstrate their familiarity with more novel and up-to-date methodological approaches. In this presentation, I explain why multidimensional variables are invalid representations of real entities, and show that such variables are attributed with properties that it is impossible for them to possess. Using examples from the literature and the journal review process, I demonstrate how the incorrect use of multidimensional variables can lead to results that are erroneous and misleading for management practise and theory development. I provide recommendations for researchers who are faced with the option of modelling variables as multidimensional, and reflect on the issue of when multidimensional variables can be used in theoretical models and theory testing, and if they are to be used, how they are best “constructed”.

BIOGRAPHY

John W. Cadogan is Professor of Marketing at Loughborough University and Honorary Professor and Docent at Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland. He undertakes research in the areas of international marketing, strategy, and sales. He has published on these topics in a wide range of outlets, including the Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Journal of Business Venturing, British Journal of Management, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, International Journal of Research in Marketing, Journal of Business Research, European Journal of Marketing, and Journal of International Marketing, among others. He is Editor-in-Chief of the International Marketing Review.

Published: 20 March 2018