A FURTHER VALIDATION OF THE BEM SEX-ROLE INVENTORY - A MULTITRAIT-MULTIMETHOD STUDY

The present study used a multitrait-multimethod technique [D.T. Campbell and D. W. Fiske (1959) "Convergent and Discriminant Validation by the Multitrait-Multimethod Matrix," Psychological Bulletin, 56, 81-105] to examine Bem's [(1974) "The Measurement of Psychological Androgyny," Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 42, 152-162] use of an instrumental-expressive dichotomy to conceptualize the Masculinity and Femininity scales of the Bem Sex Role Inventory as statistically orthogonal constructs. Results indicate that while perhaps reliable, masculinity and femininity lack clear convergent and discriminant validity. Therefore, Bem's contention that masculinity and femininity are orthogonal constructs is questioned. Results are discussed in light of trait- vs. method-driven research. © 1990 Plenum Publishing Corporation.