Abstract

This paper considered the moderator variable approach to agreement, with an emphasis on previous empirical findings and research methods. Differences both between two types of agreement (self-peer agreement and peer-peer agreement) and among three measures of agreement (discrepancy, correlation, and variance) were discussed. In addition, several problems with two conventional methods (target-based and trait-based methods) for testing moderators (behavioral consistency, observability, and social desirability) were identified. Review of literature on the moderators suggests that there is no convergence in empirical findings of the effects of the moderators except for observability. It was argued that this general failure of the moderator variable approach is due at least partially to problems with methods used. A recently developed method based on target standing was also introduced. Finally, application of the moderator variable approach and direction of future research were discussed.