Why Is There Covariance? Factors That Contribute to Observed Relationships

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This talk by Paul Spector was delivered to the Quantitative Methods Network (QMNET) and Society for Quantitative Methods (sqm.org.au) on April 1, 2022. Additional information is below:

TITLE:
Why Is There Covariance? Factors That Contribute to Observed Relationships

ABSTRACT:
This talk will integrate the topics of causal inference, method variance, and control variables and how they can explain relationships among variables. It begins with a discussion of scientific inference, including inductive, abductive, and deductive approaches, and the nature of causal inference. Three main reasons for relationships between and X and Y variables will be discussed; 1, X relates to Y through a temporal process; 2, X and Y are biased by method variance at the measurement level; 3, There is a spurious relationship between X and Y. Programmatic approaches will be discussed for explaining observed relationships including the use of control variables, interventions, and temporal strategies.

BIO: Paul E. Spector taught I-O psychology as a distinguished professor for 38 years at the University of South Florida. Today he is an adjunct professor in the Muma College of Business where he teaches executive Doctor of Business Administration students. He is also an organizational development consultant at Tampa General Hospital. His research on the negative experiences of work and research methodology has appeared often in top tier journals. His I-O textbook is now in its eighth edition. He blogs weekly about I-O and management topics: http://paulspector.com/