Measurement invariance
Research Methods
Definition. Measurement invariance means that an instrument measures the same construct in the same way across groups or time, so that comparisons are meaningful.
Explanation
Vandenberg and Lance reviewed the sequence of configural, metric and scalar invariance tests (Vandenberg & Lance, 2000). Systematic reviews of instruments, such as DASS-21, assess whether invariance has been tested (Lee et al., 2019).
Related concepts
Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) Structural equation modeling (SEM) Construct validity
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References
Lee, J., Lee, E. H., & Moon, S. H. (2019). Systematic review of the measurement properties of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales–21 by applying updated COSMIN methodology. Quality of Life Research, 28 (7), 1735–1753. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-019-02177-x
Vandenberg, R. J., & Lance, C. E. (2000). A review and synthesis of the measurement invariance literature: Suggestions, practices, and recommendations for organizational research. Organizational Research Methods, 3(1), 4–70. https://doi.org/10.1177/109442810031002
Cite this entry: Kurutkan, M. N. (2026). Measurement invariance. In The Health Topics glossary. https://healthtopic.org/glossary/measurement-invariance/
Articles that discuss this concept
6 articles on The Health Topics mention this concept. Most relevant first.
- DASS-21 Measurement Properties: A Systematic Review 4
- The Spectrum of Personal Wellbeing: A Promising New Measure and the Research Questions It Leaves Open 4
- PLS-SEM in Quality Management: Current Practices and Challenges 2
- EBP-Affinity Questionnaire for Nursing Home Caregivers 1
- Structural model robustness checks in PLS-SEM 1
- Principles for Understanding Trust in Artificial Intelligence: A Conceptual Map and the Research Questions Left Open 1