Hi Sanaa,

the practical answer is: That depends on the expectations of reviewers of the journal in which you plan to submit the study.

The scientific answer is that it would be fruitful and a strength of your study if you apply an SEM together with a test of a theory-based measurement model/CFA.

The notion that a measurement model--once it is "validated"--functions as a technical instrument is widespread but not very plausible. Items in questionnaires are interpreted by respondents, and based on the context (the setting, the research question inferred by the respondents, other items before the target items), response behaviour will be affected (or not) up to the possibility that a instruments does measure some completely different things.

Hence, it may not be required to test the measurement model but it would enhance the quality of your study.

All the best,

--Holger

Holger Steinmetz , thank you so much for your helpful answer, that is truly appreciated. All the best to you too.

The research instrument must be valid. Otherwise, it may not achieve objectivity. In research, objectivity is desired. Hence, validity and reliability of a research instrument is compulsory to be achieved. It is up to the researcher, which statistical technique is used to assess validity.

DR VIKAS GAUTAM , thank you so much for your contribution in this discussion. Best regards,

To be valid, face validity, content validity by expert panels and statistically test in EFA and CFA will make your measurement tool is more valid coz has gone through a rigor process.