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Comparison of WABA and DETECT to Contextual Analysis

Description of the contextual analysis approach

This approach assess the degree to which the addition of a set of group scores (betwen-group scores) adds anything beyond the individual scores. The regression equation for such an analysis would look as follows: x + x' = y. (See the reference below for James and Williams (2000) for a description of contextual analysis)

Compatibility of Within and Between Analysis (WABA/DETECT) with the contextual analysis approach

WABA and DETECT can identify conditions where there are similar effects at the group and individual level (wholes). Once wholes are identified contextual analysis attempts to assess whether the groups add anything beyond the individual effect or whether the group effect is the same as the individual effect. WABA does not attempt to make such an assessment. James and Williams (2000, p.420) describe WABA and DETECT as complementary with contextual analysis. They state, "given the greater breadth and depth of information provided by WABA, we recommend that those interested in contextual analysis also consider WABA". The two procedures have different objectives.

Misconceptions and misunderstandings about WABA/DETECT

No published materials took issue with WABA from the point of view of contextual analysis. Markham ( 1988) raised some other issues about contextual analysis in comparing it to WABA. Dansereau and Yammarino (2000) provide comments similar to those of James and Williams (2000)

References

Dansereau, F. & Yammarino, F. (2000). Within and Between Analysis. In K. Klein & S. Kozlowski (Eds.) Multi-level theory, research, and methods in organizations. San Francisco: CA: Jossey-Bass (pp.425-466).

James, L. & Williams, L. (2000) The cross-level operator in regression, ANCOVA, and contextual analysis. In K. Klein & S. Kozlowski (Eds.) Multi-level theory, research, and methods in organizations. San Francisco: CA: Jossey-Bass (pp.382-424).

Markham, S. (1998). Pay for performance dilemma revisited: An empirical example of the importance of the importance of group effects. Journal of Applied Psychology, 73, 172-180.

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